Definition: La Clape AOC

Languedoc region. Production area located east of Narbonne, more precisely within the municipalities of Armissan, Fleury-d'Aude, Narbonne, Salles-d'Aude and Vinassan in the department of Aude. Classified as AOC Coteaux du Languedoc in 1985. Area under production: the entire Coteaux du Languedoc appellation covers just over 10,000 hectares. White grape varieties: Bourboulenc (minimum 40%), Clairette, Grenache, Marsanne, Piquepoul, Rolle and Roussanne. Bourboulenc and Grenache must account for at least 60%; complementary grape variety: Terret; black varieties: at least 60% in the production of rosé wines and 70% for reds, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Grenache alone must account for at least 20% in the production of red wines; complementary grape varieties: Carignan and Cinsaut. Vinified as: white, rosé and red. A blend of at least two grape varieties is mandatory. Can be stored: drink young for whites and rosés; 4 to 5 years for reds. Ideal serving temperature: between 8 and 10°C for whites and rosés; between 16 and 17°C for reds. Pairings: white wines with fish soup, red wines with wild boar in sauce, rosés with grilled meats or charcuterie, with or without raw vegetables.