Here, in the westernmost part of the region, can be found the most ancient parent rock, dating back to the Palaeozoic era and even earlier. The schist, consisting of highly compressed ancient clays, forms thin sheets of flagstone. The landscape is dominated by magnificent white limestone ridges, also dating back to the Palaeozoic era.
At the foot of the Cévennes mountains, the Montagne Noire, in the foothills of the Massif Central highlands to the east, in the upper Aude valley and on the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the mountainous winegrowing area dominates the Mediterranean Arc at altitudes of between 250 and 400 metres, and is relatively well protected from the wind.
Limestone, dolomite and marl dating back to the Mesozoic era
Sandstone and clay dating back to the Mesozoic era
Schist dating back to the Palaeozoic age
Volcanic rock dating back to the Quaternary era
Precipitation: 800 – 1000 mm
Altitude: 250- 400 m
Winds: cold, dry mistral – cold, dry tramontane (moderate influence)
Planting density: between 4,000 and 5,000 vines/ha
Age of the vines: between 20 and 50 years
Pruning: maximum 6 spurs with 1 to 2 buds
Yields: between 35 and 50 hl/ha
The rock dates back to the Secondary and first half of the Tertiary era while the conglomerates are from the Upper Cretaceous period. The volcanic rocks date back to the same part of the early Jurassic period as the dinosaurs.
Rounded stones, from very old alluvium, are part of the landscape.
Located inland, the vines covering this hilly terroir grow in the scrubland. They are subjected to a harsh climate consisting of hot, dry days and cool nights. They are also at the mercy of the strong mistral (in the north) and tramontane (in the west) winds.
Limestone, clay
Sandstone & conglomerates
Ancient alluvial terraces dating back to the Tertiary era
Marl & sand containing fossilized oysters dating back to the Tertiary era
Precipitation: 600 – 800 mm
Altitude: 50 – 250 m
Prevailing winds: the cold, dry mistral and tramontane (strong influence)
Planting density: between 4,000 and 5,000 vines/ha
Age of the vines: between 20 and 40 years
Pruning: 8-9 buds per vine stock maximum
Yields: between 50 and 60 hl/ha
Fleshy, generous wines that feature ripe fruit flavours and spicy notes along with remarkable length on the palate.
The rocks are considered to be young, those dating back to the second half of the Tertiary era are covered by large expanses of alluvium and clay.
Planting density: between 3,500 and 4,500 vines/ha
Age of the vines: approximately 15 years
Pruning: 10-11 buds per vine stock maximum
Yields: between 70 and 80 hl/ha
Fresh, citrusy, delectable
The vines, planted along the Mediterranean coast, benefit from cool, even climatic conditions that lend the wines their lively fruity, citrusy notes for an overall sensation of freshness and vivacity.
