The producers of sparkling wine in the Languedoc claim they were first to discover the traditional method of production, before Dom Perignon! The Ancestral Method dates back to 1531 from the monks of the Abbey Saint-Hilaire in the Limoux region, south of Carcassonne. Vignerons have practiced the same tradition for 5 centuries. Juice from Mauzac grapes ferment due to natural yeasts; selected filtration stops the first fermentation temporarily, only to begin again in the spring. Blanquette & Crément are produced; the Mauzac grape is mainly cultivated in two areas, Gaillac & Limoux. Tours are taken to the Limoux wine region.
In contrast, from Mont D’Aleric comes a distinctive 100% sparkling Syrah which has the scent & colour of rose petals. The high regions of the Corbiéres & Minervois also give give rise to another distinctive grape variety, Muscat; gentle aromatic & spicy aromas infuse wines of the region. Late harvest Cartegene comes mainly from the Minervois.
10% discount: Special introductory offer: Mixed selection of 12 bottles Please email or phone us to discuss your choice of wines.
sparkling wines : appellations corbiéres, minervois & limoux
Domaine de Martinolles
Crémant de Limoux
appellation
Limoux
chardonnay (70%)
chenin (%20)
pinot noir (10%)
small bubbles dry & refreshing smooth sparkling wine made in the traditional method
St Valentin
‘Pierlé’
appellation
corbiéres
syrah (100%)
we leave the best till last, this bubbly rosé syrah is so exciting. Dry, yet with a fresh fruit nuance, this is one of the best pink sparkling wines ever!
Domaine de Martinolles
Vergnes
appellation
Limoux
mauzac (100%)
fine bubbles dry but fruity & floral. Semi-sparkling wine made in the blanquette ancestral method with hints of apricots.
Domaine de Martinolles
Blanquette de Limoux 2004
appellation
Limoux
mauzac (90%)
chardonney (5%)
chenin (5%)
harmony of fruits, apricots & honey. Larger bubbles, it is ideal for special celebrations
dessert wines : appellations corbiéres, minervois & limoux
Les vignerons
de Pouzels
Fleur de Vigne
appellation minervois
Chardonney
Muscat doux
aromatic & floral nuances with apricots & honey. Similar to an Alsace wine. Ideal with oriental foods or chilled with desserts.
Gasparets
Muscat Doux
Corbiéres
vin de pays d’oc
Muscat doux
gentle aromas of inscence & spice are delicately balanced in this full fruity desert wine. Sweet but not cloying. This gives a different diminsion to wine
Chateau
Hauterive le Haut
Baie de Cayenne
Corbiéres
Deep musky flavours created from old vines with a touch of smoke & Autumn fruit mellowness.
Superb with warm goats cheese, honey & puddings
Monze
Vendage de Novembre
Corbiéres
Late harvest, honey rich wine but with a dry tobacco scent & secondry taste. A dry-sweet contrast
for toffee pudding
or a good balance for blue cheese
like stilton
Les Vignerons de Pouzels
Carthagene
Minervois
Rose pink late harvest aperitif.
Bouquet of grape skins & aromatic spices & wild garrigue herbs.
Match with fois gras & truffles. Serve ice cold on a summers day.
Les Vignerons de Ventenac
Cartegene
Minervois
Late harvest wine with a gentle velvet harmony of spices, honey, gooseberries & apricots. Soft hints of aromatic herbs. Ideal with desserts
Les Vignerons de Ventenac
L’Or de Bacchus
Minervois
Golden September wine from ancient vines. Richness of cream vanilla custard & slightly sharp mirabelle plums & honey. Versatile for aperitif & dessert