AOP Limoux méthode ancestrale

The area boasts no fewer than three sparkling appellations: Crémant de Limoux, Blanquette de Limoux and Limoux Méthode Ancestrale. One of the very first French appellations to gain recognition, in 1938, Méthode Ancestrale differs from the two others for its winemaking techniques. Blanquette and Crémant are produced using the traditional method, also known as ‘Champagne method’ in other climes – after the first alcoholic fermentation, a secondary fermentation is started in the bottle by adding dosage. Conversely, Méthode Ancestrale wines only undergo one fermentation, in other words, the wine is bottled before the end of alcoholic fermentation which then continues in the bottle, producing bubbles. Low in alcohol, at around 6-7% ABV, Limoux Méthode Ancestrale draws its unique characters from a single grape variety – Mauzac.