Minervois French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Minervois is a sun-drenched Languedoc appellation known for warm, spicy red blends of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, set in a dramatic landscape of hills, garrigue and canals.
More info about Minervois
Geographic position
Southern France, across the Aude and Hérault departments, between Carcassonne and Narbonne, on a vast amphitheatre of terraces rising from the Canal du Midi to the foothills of the Montagne Noire, around the village of Minerve.
Origin & history
The Romans planted vines here, and the village of Minerve, perched above gorges, was a Cathar stronghold besieged in 1210. Minervois became an AOC in 1985, and the Minervois-La Livinière cru was recognised in 1999.
Wines & grape varieties
Mostly red, from Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault. Expect blackberry, plum, garrigue herbs, olive and liquorice. Whites and rosés use Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Macabeu, Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino.
Climate & soil
Hot, dry Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influence in the west. Limestone, sandstone, marl and schist terraces, with stony soils on the higher slopes.
Wine region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Grape varieties: Bourboulenc, Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Syrah, Vermentino