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Explore the Best Wineries in Limoux

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Limoux is a region in France that produces both red and white wine. It's been around for about 15 years and just became an official appellation in 2003 with the help of the Burgundy AOC. The town lies close to the vineyards, in the Pyrenean foothills and south of Carcassonne. This is one of the most successful wine producing regions in France. We highly recommend you Limoux wine region. Book your trip to Limoux to taste the wines of French and make your journey memorable. You'll enjoy beautiful landscapes with a bottle in hand while you're there!

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

Where is Limoux Wine Region

Limoux is in the eastern part of the Aude in southern France. The vineyards lie around the town for which it is named, in the Pyrenean foothills to the east of Corbières and south of Carcassonne.

History of Limoux

Limoux is home to a viticultural history that dates back to the first century, with mentions of it found in the writings of Livy. For many years, its primary focus was growing cereal crops, but vine growing became a secondary crop. Viners nevertheless established Limoux’s reputation as it was here, or more specifically in Saint-Hilaire Abbey, that Benedictine monks developed the technique of secondary fermentation in the bottle, a prerequisite for mastering production of sparkli. Blanquette de Limoux is the world's oldest bubbly wine and goes back centuries before the first Champagne was created. It's made from a unique blend of red wine, white wine, and brandy that work together to create an ethereal flavor punch. Limoux's vineyards didn't truly flourish until the 1800s when they expanded further down the hillsides overlooking Aude Valley and its tributaries.

Terrior of Limoux

Limoux is filled with picturesque scenery and some of the most famous wine-growing regions close to the city. It has a slightly cooler climate than other regions in Languedoc-Roussillon, creating an ideal environment for locals to successfully grow several different types of wine grapes. The soil in this region is mostly clay, sandstone, and limestone. This "terroir" - often referred to as "Terror de Bulles" - "Terroir of Bubbles" - helps create wines with a greater acidity, which is a necessary component for an excellent sparkling wine!

Limoux Characteristics 

This Limoux AOC red wine is made up of a wide variety. The most prominent varieties in the blend are Merlot and Syrah. Because of their lower gravity and lighter style, Limoux wines are often a great alternative in various wine tasting events. The cool climate they're grown in and their lower alcohol content also make them very refreshing on the palate.

Until 1993, white wines became largely made only out of the wine grape Sauvignon Blanc. Now a grape called Chardonnay is also permitted, and Chenin Blanc is allowed in certain blends. That said however, Sauvignon Blanc must account for at least 15% of a blend that contains the wine grapes Chardonnay and Chenin Blan The wines vary widely in style according to the main variety used, and the exact area and macroclimate in which it is produced. The 15% threshold means that varietal Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay is still permitted in the Limoux appellation. An 85:15 blend will have the (bare) minimum percentage of the main variety according to EU law. These chardonnay vines are some of the oldest in the south of France! Their wines are particularly sought after and they have won many awards. These wines often carry an IGP designation, which means they come from a specific region.

Food to pair with Limoux

1. Quiche Florentine

Quiche Florentine is a fancy word for a pie made with eggs, cheese, asparagus and other fresh herbs. The dish has Italian influences and uses a pastry crust with which you can flavor it. It's also delicious when seasoned with black pepper!

Quiche Florentine has a delicious, creamy and satisfying texture. It is usually served for breakfast, brunch or festive gatherings. Let it rest for at least ten minutes before serving and you'll create a perfect dish every time! This dish pairs well with Limoux wine.

2. Flamiche

A traditional French dish, flamiche is topped with leeks and either crème fraîche or milk to create a delicious custard pie. It originates in the region of Picardy, France, and is considered a Picardy equivalent of quiche Lorra. Every dish has a story behind it. Flamiche, a dessert that dates back to the late 18th century, has many variations and variations when it comes to ingredients. Some changes incorporated bacon and cheese while others chose additional vegetables. It pairs well with Limoux wine.

3. Vichyssoise

Some people have a hard time figuring out the origins of potatoes in French dishes and soup, but it seems that this is an American invention. Anyway, thick French soup using puréed ingredients has been around for some time now. The soup was originally created by Chef Gouffe in 1859, but later Italian Chef Louis Diat became famous with his version of the recipe. While some historians say Diat was the creator, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. He wanted a soup that told people about his childhood, so for him, it was important to name the soup after a town in which he had memories. For him, crème Vichyssoise glacée is made from potatoes and leeks. Today, Soup is traditionally served cold and often garnished with fresh chopped chives. This meal pairs well with Limoux wines.

Places to visit near Limoux

1. Notre-Dame de Marceille

It is not easy to find information on the history of the town. One such feature of this town is its status as one of the oldest pilgrimage churches in Italy. It was founded in 1380, and achieved the title in 1399. The sanctuary is an unusual building, as it features a Gothic-influenced style and an enormous buttressing system. This fascinating octagonal structure also has four arched windows. The oldest bell in the steeple dates back to 1667.

Notre Dame de Merceille is a pilgrimage site for people on their way to Compostela. It's really popular with believers and non-believers, too! You don't want to miss it if you're in southern France or near there.

2. The Musée du piano

The Musée du Piano occupies an old church and showcases more than a hundred 19th and 20th century pianos. Its auditorium also hosts a few summer concerts, which adds to its charm. Here are some additional items you might be interested in: The Battle of Gettysburg.

3. The Musée des automates

The tour begins with a view of a room full of automated figures, who can easily be distinguished by their splendid style. Many of the fairytales, characters, and traditions in this book will be familiar to you. The book is perfect for any little girl that likes to dress up as a princess. Next comes a video which gives you a history of artificial intelligence- not just depth but action. The tour ends with an interactive workshop during which the creator will answer your questions.

Frequently asked questions about Limoux Wine Region

What is Limoux known for?

Limoux probably known for being the home of two famous French sparkling wines, Blanquette de Limoux and Crémant de Limoux.

What is the best wine in Limoux?

The best wine in Limoux is Domaine de Baron'Arques Limoux

What are the main grape varieties in Limoux wine region?

The main grape varieties in the Limoux wine region are Mauzac, Chardonnay, and Chenin. 

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Limoux