Clive Platman, Wine Correspondent for the Birmingham Post.

 Congratulations on choosing the Minervois as your holiday destination! You are now based in one of the most progressive and exciting winemaking regions anywhere in France. On your doorstep, or with little travelling effort, you can get to meet some of the best winemakers in the region and taste their wines.

 

Be aware, however, that many of these wineries are small operations, so it is recommended that you phone in advane to ensure you can be received by the winemaker, or perhaps that someone who speaks English is on hand. In particular, some winemakers can not be able to receive visits during the harvest         ( vendage ) during September because they are simply too busy.

 

The Minervois Wineries

 

Le Clos du Marbrier, Rue des Remparts, Caunes Minervois.

Winemaker Irene Prioton  - English Spoken

Tel 0468 78 49 19

Website : www.clos-du-marbrier.leminervois.com

Open daily, but best to call ahead.

 

Irene is a small scale producer vigneronne, farming 6.5 hectares of vineyard. The wine is made at her micro-winery, a converted marble workshop in the village of Caunes.

 

Jean Christophe Averrou, Place de la Petite Fontaine, Caunes Minervois

Winemaker Jean Christophe Averrou and the Cooperative de Caunes – No English spoken

Tel : 0688 84 27 36

Open daily, but closed for often extended lunches

 

Chateau Villerambert-Julien, Caunes-Minervois

Winemaker Michel Julien

Tel 0468 78 00 01 Open weekdays 0900-1130/1300-1830 and weekends by appointment only.

Website : www.villerambert-julien.com

English spoken

 

Chateau Villerambert-Moreau, Villegly (5 minutes from Caunes)

Winemaker Marcel Moreau & Fils

Tel 0468 77 16 40 Open daily except Sunday 1000-1200/1400-1900

No English spoken ( but worth finding a French speaker to take you )

 

 

 

Chateau Plo du Roy, Villeneuve Minervois Windmill

Winemaker Franck Benazeth

Tel 0468 68 26 13 64

No English spoken

 

Domaine Cros, 20 Rue du Minervois, Badens 11800

Winemaker Pierre Cros

Tel 0468 79 21 82 open daily

No English spoken ( but if you push him, he might, again, worth finding a French speaker to take you )

 

Domaine Borie de Maurel, Felines Minervois

Winemaker Michel Escande

Tel 0468 91 68 58

Web : www.boriedemaurel.fr

English spoken

 

 

Chateau Sainte Eulalie, Route de Ferral-les-Montagnes La Liviniere

Winemaker Isabelle Coustal

Tel 0468 91 42 72

Web : www.chateausainteeulalie.com

English spoken ( Isabel’s wine are listed by the Wine Society in the UK )

 

Chateau Massamier, La Mignarde near Pepieux 11700

Winemaker Frantz Venes

Tel 0468 91 40 74 open daily

Web : www.massamier-la-mignarde.com

 

Chateau d’Oupia, Oupia 34210

Winemaker Andre Iche

Tel 0468 91 20 86

 

Domaine Des Aires-Hautes, Siran

Winemaker Gilles Chabbert

Tel 0468 91 54 40

No English Spoken

 

Domaine de Barroubio, St Jean de Minervois, Barroubio

Winemaker Raymond Miquel

Tel 0467 38 14 06

Web : www.barroubio.fr

No English spoken, but lovers of ‘sweeties’ will love it.

 

Domaine Piccinni Route des Mentieres 34210 La Liviniere

Winemaker Maurice & Jean-Christophe Piccinini

Tel 0468 91 44 32

 

Chateau Faiteau  Toute des Mentieres 34210 La Liviniere

Tel 0615 90 89 48

 

Clos Centeilles  Compagne de Centeilles 34210 Siran

Winemakers Patricia and Daniel Domergue

Visits by appointment. English spoken.

Tel 0468 91 52 18

 

 

Chateau de Gourgazaud La Liviniere 34210 Olonzac

Tel 0468 78 10 02

 

Chateau La Coupe Roses Rue de la Poterie, La Caunette

Tel 0468 91 21 95

 

Some suggestions in the Corbieres

 

Chateau La Voulte-Gasparets, Boutenac 11200

Winemaker Patrick Reverdy

Tel 0468 27 07 86

No English Spoken

 

Domaine de Fonsainte, Boutenac 11200

Winemaker Bruno Laboucarie

Tel 0468 27 07 63

 

Domaine Serres-Mazard, Talairan 11220

Winemakers Annie & Jean-Pierre Mazard

Tel 0468 44 02 22

( By appointment during Winter )

 

 

 

 

Tasting Tips

 

·         Don’t smoke or wear strong perfumes while tasting

·         Make notes at the properties you visit, the wines you taste, and the prices. Indicate your reaction and for simplicity, mark out of 10

·         Keep a clear head. Spit – don’t swallow. Ask for a spittoon ( crachoir )

·         Look at the colour- this will give an indication of clarity, cleanliness and age.

·         Smell the wine – this will give an indication of the quality of the fruit, as well as reveal faults, such as a ‘corked’ bottle.

·         Taste the wine. Look for the ripeness and quality of fruit. Sour or thin fruit will not improve. Think about the level of tannin and use of oak ageing.

·         Think about the age of the wine and whether it will mature – a young wine will be tannic and tough, but this may be a good sign that it will develop. 

·         Remember, wines are made to go with food and a certain amount of tannin is desirable.

·         Think about your general impression and after-taste. If it is long and lingering, it will have ageing potential. If it’s short, it may be best for general ‘quaffing’

·         Rely on your own judgement – if you don’t like it, don’t buy it. Don’t feel obliged to make a purchase.

·         Wines that are drinking well in the tasting room are ready now and probably won’t keep for a long period. Wines which are backward

·         ( generally more expensive ) will benefit from up to 2-3 years cellaring before they are approached. Roses, in particular, are best consumed by the Christmas after the year of the vintage. In other words, you should finish your 2008 roses, by the end of 2009.

·         Treat your purchases carefully, keep it protected and above all, don’t let it cook in the car!