Crémant de Limoux French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Crémant de Limoux is a traditional-method sparkling wine from the foothills of the Pyrenees in Languedoc, a region that claims to have made the world's first sparkling wine.
More info about Crémant de Limoux
Geographic position
Southern France, in the Aude department, around the town of Limoux on the upper Aude valley, about 25 km south of Carcassonne, at altitudes of 650 to 1,650 feet.
Origin & history
According to local records, the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire produced a naturally sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux, as early as 1531, before Champagne. The Crémant de Limoux AOC was created in 1990 to add Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc to the local Mauzac.
Wines & grape varieties
White and rosé sparkling wines aged at least 12 months on lees. Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc dominate, with Mauzac and Pinot Noir. Expect apple, citrus, brioche and fine, lively bubbles.
Climate & soil
A meeting of Mediterranean, oceanic and mountain influences, cooler than the rest of Languedoc. Clay-limestone, sandstone and stony soils on hillsides.
Wine region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir