Terroir
AOP Cabardès, Vent d’Est – Vent d’Ouest
Cabardès is an appellation located at the point where different winds, land and waters cross paths. Its geographic and climatic situation is unique among French wine regions, and the source of such a diverse range of grape varieties and myriad aromas in its wines.
Location
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Cabardès is located in the heart of the former Languedoc-Roussillon region, at the crossroads between Mediterranean and Atlantic weather patterns. This unique position allows it to grow grape varieties that thrive in both types of climate.
Ensconced between the mountains and valleys, at elevations ranging from 100 to 350 metres above sea level, Cabardès is backed by the southern slope of the Black Mountain, overlooking the medieval walled town of Carcassonne. No fewer than six rivers bring water to its vineyards, which also line the Canal du Midi. Its landscape bears the unmistakable signs of its dual natural heritage, with garrigue and rocks on one side, and woodlands and meadows on the other.
Climate
A delicate equilibrium between sunshine and rain, hot and cool temperatures.
Although the influence of the Mediterranean climate on Cabardès is more distinctive – with its abundant sunshine, summer droughts and mild winters – rainfall and the East-West wind lend freshness to the wines.
This dual-faceted climate creates a unique vineyard setting for Cabardès, making it an appellation unlike any other in France.
Varietal range
The varietal range is also dual-faceted, with vineyard blocks divided between Mediterranean grape varieties, like Grenache and Syrah, and Atlantic cultivars, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot.
Merlot and Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) on one side, and Syrah and Grenache on the other, must account for at least 40% of the final blend. The three secondary grape varieties that are Cot, Fer and Cinsault cannot exceed 20% of the finished wine.
Geology
Generally speaking, the wine region is home to four geological formations, from South to North:
– Sedimentary rock and soils clad with limestone stones along the rivers Fresquel and Trapel, keeping the soils cool,
– Friable sandstone (or molasse) at the foot of the hills, ideal for the Atlantic grape varieties,
– Limestone terrain, typical of the limestone plateaux for Mediterranean grape varieties.
Heading up the slopes of the Black Mountain, most of the soil is formed of granite, schist and gneiss.
