Minervois to Corbières: across the Aude
North to south from the foothills of the Montagne Noire, over the limestone of La Livinière, across the Aude valley to Moux and the Montagne d'Alaric. Tap a layer to read it.
Swipe the plate sideways to see the whole section.
Schematic and long: 25 km, so heights are strongly exaggerated. The Eocene limestone and the Carcassonne molasse are drawn as simple folded beds; the Alaric is a faulted fold whose structure is simplified here. Check against the BRGM 1:50,000 sheets for Lézignan-Corbières and Capendu. Gourgazaud's and La Baronne's parcels are placed by commune only. Ground from AWS terrain data; La Livinière and Moux sit within 0.3 km of the line.
6 layers, youngest at the top
Why these two sides of the Aude differ
- La Livinière sits against the Montagne Noire, whose cool night air keeps the fruit fresh.
- Its Petit Causse limestone, in beds with sandy marl, gives grip and length.
- The Alaric stands in the west of the Corbières, where Atlantic air tempers the Mediterranean heat.
- Marl at the Alaric's foot holds water, so old Carignan and Grenache get through dry summers.
Did you knowThe Montagne d'Alaric rises to about 600 m. Growers around it have proposed Alaric as a named area within the Corbières appellation.
Pas Mal wines on this ground
La Livinière, Minervois
- ChardonnayChâteau de Gourgazaud
- Cuvée Morgane — Syrah, Mourvèdre, CarignanChâteau de Gourgazaud
Moux, Corbières
- Alaric — Syrah, Carignan, Grenache · CLOSEOUTChâteau La Baronne
- Les Chemins Rouge — Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre · CLOSEOUTChâteau La Baronne
Sources: Decanter, Minervois La Livinière and Corbières profiles; Domaine de l'Ostal (J.-M. Cazes), La Livinière terroir; Wikipedia, Corbières AOC; Château La Baronne and Château de Gourgazaud producer notes; BRGM 1:50,000 geological maps, sheets Lézignan-Corbières and Capendu; AWS Terrain Tiles.