Cabardès Wine Region

Despite its long and rich history, the Cabardès wine region is one of France's youngest appellations. The region is part of France's larger renowned Languedoc Roussillon wine region. The wine region of Cabardes is named after the Lords of Cabaret, who is credited with defending the Chateaux de Lastours against Simon de Montfort in 1209. In 1999, the region was granted AOC status to produce rose and red wines. Cabardes wine region is known for its distinctive red blends because it produces both Atlantic and Mediterranean grape varieties. Cabardes wine region is frequently overlooked, but it offers an excellent range of wines that will please any palate.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Cabardès!

Where is the Cabardès wine region?

Cabardes wine region is located in the northwest corner of the Languedoc wine region, just northwest of Carcassonne. The region is bounded to the east by Minervois AOC, to the southeast by Corbieres AOC, and to the south by Malepere AOC. Cabardes wine region is about an hour and a half southeast of Toulouse via the A61 highway and 30 minutes north of Carcassone. Almost all of the region's wineries offer guided tours and wine tastings in their dedicated tasting rooms. Discover the Cabardes wine region and sample some of its finest wines.

History of the Cabardès wine region

Winemaking dates back to the first century, during the reign of the Romans. The Romans established the region as a wine-growing district, which was continued by monasteries throughout the region. Cabardes and other Languedoc wines were frequently exported to Greek territories. The construction of the Canal du Midi in the 12th century made it possible to transport wines through it. The Cabardes region's wine industry peaked in the 18th century. At the end of the nineteenth century, the region was infested with Phylloxera. The region was granted PDO status in the early twentieth century, VDQS status in 1973, and AOC status in 1999.

The terroir and geography of the Cabardès wine region

The Cabardes wine region covers 550 hectares of vineyards concentrated in the Montagne Noire foothills and stretches for 15 kilometers across 18 Aude communes. The catchment area is located between the Languedoc-Roussillon and Sud Ouest regions, where the Mediterranean and Atlantic climates meet. The region is diverse, with vines planted from the Aube river's bank to the steep northern slope of Montagne Noire. Because of its proximity to mountains, the northern part of the region has a slightly cooler climate than the southern part. Soil types include granite, limestone, clay, loam, marl, and slate. The region is heavily influenced by both dry Atlantic vent cers and warm Mediterranean vent marin.

Popular grape varieties from the Cabardès wine region

Cabardès wine region is a one-of-a-kind wine region in France that grows grapes from both the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions. Cabernet, Grenache, Merlot, and Syrah are the most popular grape varieties in the region. The wines are distinctive because the appellation requires a minimum of 40% Atlantic varieties and 40% Mediterranean varieties. Malbec accounts for the remaining 20%, resulting in some unusual and distinct rich red wines. The region produces 85% of its high-quality red wine, which is becoming increasingly popular.

Food to pair with Cabardès wine 

Chicken Française

Chicken Française, also known as chicken French in New York, is a popular dish in Europe and America that consists of thinly sliced chicken cutlets in a delicious white wine sauce. The dish originated in Rochester and was created by Italian immigrants who brought the Veal Francaise recipe with them. The Italians replaced expensive veal with chicken and developed a new line of dishes that became popular in Rochester during the 1950s. To begin making this savory dish, cut the chicken fillet and drench it in an egg and lemon juice mixture. Dust it with the flour, paprika, and garlic powder mixture. Fry it in hot oil until the chicken turns golden brown. Pour the remaining lemon juice and broth over the chicken in the skilled. Simmer until the mixture becomes consistent. White wine can also be added during the glazing process. It pairs well with a glass of red wine from the Cabardes wine region.

Terrine

Terrine is a traditional French appetizer made of coarsely chopped meat formed into a meatloaf shape. Terrine is a type of earthenware mold used to cook this dish. Nowadays, there are many different styles of cooking this savory dish with various types of meat and vegetables. Goose, duck liver, pork, deer, or boar are the most popular meats for this dish. The meat is marinated in herbs and wine overnight. The dish is served cold or at room temperature, with a selection of side dishes. Terrine has evolved from a hearty dish for French peasants to an elegant appetizer served in fine dining establishments. Enjoy this delicious appetizer while sampling wines from the Cabardes wine region.

Steak au poivre

Steak au poivre is another classic French dish that became popular in the mid-twentieth century. Beef steak is coated with crushed peppercorns before being seared in a hot skillet with butter. The coarsely cracked peppercorn adds a distinct pungent flavor to the steak. The steak is frequently served with cognac sauce or peppercorn sauce, as well as mashed potatoes and Pommes Frites. Since its invention in 1930, steak au poivre has remained a staple of traditional French cuisine. This meaty dish with a peppercorn kick complements the Cabardes wine region's unique red wines.

Places to visit in the Cabardès wine region

Carcassonne Cathedral

Carcassonne Cathedral is a 13th-century parish church dedicated to Saint Michael. The cathedral is a national monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral was damaged during the 14th-century war. Fortified structures were used to rebuild the church. The cathedral was also the official residence of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Carcassonne and Narbonne. The church was elevated to cathedral status in the early nineteenth century. This historic monument is simple in design, with a 20-meter-high vault and several lateral chapels. This magnificent cathedral still retains the majority of its 14th-century structure, including stained glass in the choir.

Canal du Midi

Canal du Midi, also known as Midi Canal or Languedoc Canal, is a 240-kilometer-long historic canal in Languedoc, southern France. Canal du Midi was coined by French revolutionaries after being renamed Canal Royal en Languedoc. The canal is widely regarded as one of the greatest engineering feats of the 17th century. The canal connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean by passing through Garonne and Etang de Thau on the Mediterranean. Since its inception, the canal has remained largely unchanged. Discover this majestic and modern civil engineering achievement while touring the Cabardes wine region.

Frequently asked questions about Cabardès