An atypical ‘terroir’ and a cold microclimate

This estate of just over 5 hectares is located at the foothills of the Massif of the ‘Montagne Noire’(ie Black Mountain), with an altitude between 220 and 350 meters above sea level.
The influence of the Montagne Noire is essential. It brings cold air and moderates the Mediterranean climate. The day are quite warm whereas the nights are cool. The temperature difference between day and night can reach 20°C. This thermal amplitude causes a slower ripening and allows an excellent phenolic maturity.
Depending on the different plots, the ground is made of schist or clay-limestone. The schists are interesting because they limit the water stress and contribute to the subtlety and freshness of the future wine.

 

Wines marked by their ‘Terroir’

The effects of altitude, cold air from the Montagne Noire and the soil quality can be found in wine tasting. The slow and successful ripening of the grapes results in a harvest that is almost a month behind other Languedoc vineyards. Minervois and Minervois La Livinière wines offer a nice balance, a nice freshness and a lot of complexity.