IGP Pays Cathare
A land of vines and castles
In Southern Languedoc,
l’IGP Pays Cathare covers an extensive area. Its spectacular scenery and characterful wines make it a must-visit destination.
Foundation
April 16
2004
Territory
493
villages
Production
1 735 hL
Producers
18 independent wineries,
2 co-operatives et
5 wine merchants.
Colours
red
65%
Rosé
25%
White
10%
Main grape varieties
authorized for the reds
Carignan
Grenache
Syrah
Cinsaut
Cabernet Sauvignon
Main grape varieties
authorized for the rosés
Carignan
Grenache
Cinsaut
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Main grape varieties
authorized for the whites
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Vermentino
Roussanne
Chenin Blanc
terroir
Like certain parts of neighbouring Roussillon, IGP Le Pays Cathare’s stomping ground is embedded in a geological mosaic that is very difficult to summarise in just a few lines. Between the coast and the more inland areas set within the IGP’s boundaries, there is no shortage of climatic nuances – they range from Mediterranean to Pyrenean and even oceanic.
The wines draw on these multiple influences to express great complexity underpinned by wonderful freshness. The IGP-labelled wines have a common denominator – their appetising flavours. The reds also display very clean characters, along with notes of red fruits, black fruits and spices. The whites are very charismatic, driven by aromas of white fruits, and the rosés focus on red fruits and roundness.
History
Cathar country does not just conjure up images of vineyards. The heritage and legends depicted by its famous castles stem from the numerous ruins of the citadels built by Louis IX in the 13th century after the Albigensian Crusade. Today, the vestiges often tower above spectacular hillsides planted to vineyards.