Corbières Wine Region

Corbières is a well-known wine appellation located in the Languedoc-Rousilllon region of southern France. It's one of the most popular and best in the area. The vineyards of Corbières produce red and rosé wines, as well as whites. The vine is cultivated at more than 400 meters altitude above the sea level at the foot of Mont Tauch, between Tuchan and Villeneuve des Corbières. The ideal climate of the grapevine provides the best quality grapes. You should definitely visit Corbières wine region. You'll have a chance to taste local dishes with wine, which is something you won't regret!

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Corbières Wine Region

Where is Corbières Wine Region

Corbieres wine region is situated in Languedoc, southern France. It can be found at the foot of the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire.At its northernmost point, it borders the old road that goes from Carcassonne to Narbonne. The vineyard is on the eastern side and it reaches up against the Mediterranean Sea. It borders on the Sigean Lake and Fitou Appellation as well as the coastline of Roussillon.

History of Corbières

The producers of Corbières got together in 1908 and decided to set up an organization, which was stepped up with the establishment of a demarcation area in 1923. In 1951 they got the VDQS quality standard – it was the first time they were given any kind of approval at all. In 1985, Corbières was granted the status of controlled appellation.

Terrior of Corbières

Corbières is split up into ten different types of soil, such as Sigean or Duban’s terroir. The climate here is largely influenced by the typical scrubland vegetation found in the MediterraneanWesternmost soils are influenced by oceanic conditions, such as humid sea winds and the exposure to the ocean. In particular, this can lead to a difference in air temperature between day and night.Wine from the AOC Corbières can be made from a variety of grape varieties. You might find Carignan, Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Syrah or Mourvèdre. White wine is usually produced with Grenache Blanc or Maccabeu grapes.

Corbières Characteristics 

The wines of the Red Corbière have inherited from its terroir a great aging potential and a pleasant harmony. They are red, sweet, and give off an extraordinary aroma. AOC Corbières wines in white are characterized by a fuller, more balanced taste with aromatic fruits. Rosé wine color is light and fruity. Red wines are the appellation's forte; they are famously rich, herb-scented wines, made from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Lledoner Pelut and Carignan. Rosé Corbières wines are also well-respected, produced from the same red varieties, combined with Grenache Gris and Picpoul. White wines make up only a small percentage of total output. They are made from a wide selection of varieties - most notably Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Maccabeu, Marsanne, and Roussanne.

Food to pair with Corbières

1. Gâteau Basque

This piece of Basque cake is a favourite among people in the area. There are two layers of shortbread pastry, and either a black cherry preserve or vanilla-flavored pastry filling with butter. If the Basque Cross design is made with black cherries, it usually adorns the tip of the cake, while.

Apart during their regions of origin, traditional recipes can include flavouring such as lemon zest, rum or almond extract. Although it is thought to originate from the entire French Basque Country, it was originally thought to be a cake from the French former province of Labourd. It pairs good with Corbieres Wines.

2. Foie gras

French foie gras, this decadent, expensive food is made by force feeding a controversial feeding process known as gavage. This process primarily involves force-feeding the hybrid male Mulard ducks corn through a tube.

Force-feeding causes birds to develop conditions like fatty liver enlargement, which is also synonymous with syndromes like NAFLD (Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease). There are plenty of cooking methods and varieties, but the basic process of creating foie gras starts with searing it and then chilling it. The texture is pretty close to that of ice cream!

Foie gras is a delicious spread that looks like light pink cream. It has a very rich flavor, and is typically enjoyed with equally as rich foods like bread or baguettes. However, it also makes for an incredible French style dish when served with cherries and port wine. It goes well with Corbieres Wines.

3. Far Breton

Breton cake is a traditional French dessert, consisting of milk, eggs, and flour. You can add prunes or raisins for extra flavour for an authentic Breton cake. The cake has a long history in the Brittany region, dating back to 18th century when it was a savory dish served with meat.

Over time, more butter and eggs were added to the original batter of just eggs and sugar to make far Breton. At the time, it was expensive which made it impractical for most people. Today, it remains a family favorite thanks in large part to that buttery taste. Far Breton pairs amazing with Corbieres Wines.

Places to visit near Corbières

1. Cathar castle

Cathar Castles are a group of medieval castles located in the Languedoc region. Some people have a connection to the Cathars as they offered refuge to those who were dispossessed of their land in the 13th century. Many of the castles in this region were rebuilt by the French Crusaders when they won the area back from their enemies. Even though they have nothing to do with Cathers, many of them are still referred to as Cathair castles. The fate of many Cathar castles, at least during early stages of the Crusade, is outlined in the contemporary Occitan "Chanson de la Croisade", translated into English as the "Song of the Cathar Wars".

2. Camon

Camon is a town that surrounds a Benedictine Abbey. The origins of the abbey date back to 923, but the original abbey and village were lost in 1289 after a natural dam gave way and water flooded the town. There are several places in the village where you can see the historical ramparts.

3. Carcassonne

The historic town of Carcassonne is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, 90 kilometres south-east of Toulouse. It is certainly one of the most interesting and impressive medieval towns in all of France. The town has a history dating back to the Cathar Wars, in which the town played a very important role.

Frequently asked questions about Corbières Wine Region