AOP Languedoc - CabrièresLanguedoc - Cabrières
Like an island of vines
Do you feel like wandering off the vinous highways and taking a detour along the alternative routes and more intriguing paths?
Then welcome to this under-the-radar appellation located just a few kilometres from Clermont-l’Hérault, in the heart of the namesake department.
Foundation
1985
Territory
1
village
Production
151 HA
Producers
4 independent wineries,
1 co-operative.
Colours
Red
47%
rosé
53%
Main grape varieties
authorized for the reds
grenache
syrah
carignan
cinsault
morrastel
mourvèdre
Main grape varieties
authorized for the rosés
grenache
syrah
bourboulenc
carignan
clairette
grenache
marsanne
mourvèdre
roussanne
terret
vermentino
viognier
for more information:
www.cabrieres-en-languedoc.comTerroir
One of the defining features of this diminutive area is the ubiquitous schist in the soil, some of it on the surface of the rocks, some deep below ground, some layered, some a solid block, some brown and grey, some red or lightly-coloured. Another is the climate. Fairly warm compared to neighbouring appellations, with low rainfall, it is regularly – sometimes for days on end – buffeted by the Tramontane wind.
Although this fierce wind chills winegrowers to the bone as they prune their vines in the depths of winter, and is strong enough to occasionally break vine canes, it also has the advantage of helping to keep vineyards perfectly healthy. There can be no more precious an ally particularly as the harvest season approaches, when winegrowers strive to pick the healthiest fruit they can. The wind also quickly dries the vines themselves on days when dampness pervades the air.
History
Just one village, five estates and a single co-operative. The numbers are probably the smallest of all the Languedoc appellations, so why should such a tiny patch of vineyards warrant an appellation of its own? Simple – because it deserves it!