Definition: Malepère VDQS (côte-de-la-)

Languedoc region. Production area located mainly south-west of Carcassonne, with Villesiscle as the northernmost town and Donazac the southernmost, within 31 municipalities in the Aude department. Classified as VDQS in 1983. Area under production: nearly 520 hectares. Black grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Côt (used as an accessory grape variety for the production of rosé wines) and Merlot (minimum 50% for the production of red wines; it is used as an accessory grape variety for the production of rosé wines); Cabernet Franc and Côt must together or separately represent a minimum of 20% for the production of red wines. Cabernet Franc, Cinsaut and Grenache must account for at least 70% of the production of rosé wines. Accessory grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut, Grenache and Lledoner Pelut. Vinified as rosé and red wines from a blend of grapes or wines from at least two grape varieties. It can be kept for 2 to 3 years for rosé and a little longer for red. Ideal serving temperature: between 8 and 10°C for rosé; between 16 and 17°C for red. Pairings: rosé with grilled meats or charcuterie, with or without raw vegetables; red with white meat or Castelnaudary cassoulet.