Wines from Minervois

Minervois is situated on the south facing slopes of the Black Mountains some 40km inland from the Mediterranean and made up of 5 distinct communes, within 3 distinct sub appellations – Minervois , Minervois La Livinieres  and Muscat St Jean de Minervois, the latter mainly for sweet fortified wines from the Muscat grape. All of these regions encircling the wine capital of Minerves, which gives the whole appellation its name. With the majority of the vineyards planted high up in the foothills, this region benefits from lower temperatures and a little more rainfall than the majority of Languedoc wines, hence its ability to produce more vivacious, elegant reds and whites. Grape varieties are Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Grenache and Cinsault, with whites from predominantly Picpoul and some Viognier.