The Minervois AOC area was formed in 1985, and from the start, the wine-makers were allowed to make red, white and rosé wines.

Geography
The Appellation is a large amphitheatre bordered by the Canal du Midi to the south and the Black Mountains to the north; its western limits reach Carcassonne and it stretches eastwards to Narbonne.

Permitted Grape Varieties
Red: Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Piquepoul
White: Marsanne, Roussanne, Maccabeu, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache, Vermentino and small grain Muscat.

Vinification
Red: after destalking, traditional methods using unbroken grapes.
Rosé: Saignée technique.
White: direct pressing with a varying proportion of blends, vinified in barrels.

Style
The young wines are well structured and elegant with flavours of blackcurrant, violet, cinnamon and vanilla. As they mature, notes of leather and tobacco, candied fruits and ripe prunes may be experienced. The tannins are silky, the wines are soft, full and long on the palate.