Malepère Wine Region

The Malepère appellation is modest but prominent in the Languedoc area, producing superb red and rose wines. The region is well-known for producing high-quality wines with an exceptional terroir. Malepère winemakers combine Atlantic and Mediterranean grapes, which is often not permitted in the Languedoc region. The vineyards are placed up to 400 meters above sea level, just where the Mediterranean and Atlantic climates meet. This hilly westernmost portion of Languedoc comprises 39 municipalities with varied microclimates on mild slopes of the Pyrenees range.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Malepère!

Where is the Malepère wine region?

Malepère wine region is located in the westernmost part of the Languedoc wine region in southern France, directly southwest of the city of Carcassonne. This area stretches from the Canal du Midi in the north to the Aude in the east. From the gates of Carcassonne to Limoux and as far as Lauragais. Malepère region is bounded by Blanquette de Limoux from the South, Corbieres from the east, Carbardes from the north, and Minervois from the northeast. 

History of the Malepère wine region

Winemaking in the Malepère has a long history and was influenced by Romans and Christian missionaries. Several wars raged in the region throughout the Middle Ages. It is the early 17th century, and the region's wine business is thriving, with a major development of vines in the Aude area. The Marquis of Auberjon purchased the site of a Gallo-roman fort from the Saint Benoir Abbey shortly after the French Revolution in order to build the fortress that is today known as Chateau Guilhem. In 1983, the region was granted VDQS status as Cotes de la Malapere, and in 2007, Malepère was designated as an AOC.

The terroir and geography of the Malepère wine region

Malepère is blessed with its location at the confluence of the Mediterranean and Atlantic climates. The summers are hot and dry while the winters are mild compared to neighboring regions which are unusual in the Languedoc district. Malepère is divided from the rest of the region by the mountains at the center of the Aude department. The Pyrenees range reaches an altitude of 600 meters which creates a barrier to the Mediterranean winds. The soil is mostly clay and limestone which have well-draining properties.  

Popular grape varieties from the Malepère wine region

The Malepère wine area is suited for Bordelais and Languedoc grape varietals due to its peculiar climate. Merlot is a key grape in the Malepere area, accounting for more than half of the total output. Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Grenache, and Syrah are other important grape varieties that are frequently blended. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Cot are among the other grapes grown in the region. Red wines must contain at least 50% Merlot, while rose wines must contain at least 50%, Cabernet Franc.

Food to pair with Malepère wine 

Smoked sausages

Smoke sausages are a popular type of sausage that is made with a mixture of ground pork and beef, which is then cured by smoking. The meat is ground and mixed with spices, such as garlic and pepper, before being stuffed into a casing. The sausage is then smoked for up to several hours. A large number of regional varieties of smoked sausage exist, varying in ingredients and preparation techniques. They can be eaten cold or hot, and they have been around for centuries. Smoked sausages are typically eaten as an appetizer or snack food. They can also be used as part of other dishes such as sandwiches or pizzas. Pair these amazing meaty dishes with red wines from Malepère.

Bœuf bourguignon

In French cuisine, beef bourguignon is a slow-cooked beef stew served with Burgundy wines. Beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour are among the components in this recipe. Before combining the additional ingredients, the meat is sautéed in butter or oil. Traditionally, beef bourguignon is eaten over mashed potatoes or noodles.

The use of wine explains the meal's name, which is not typical Burgundy cuisine. The dish was originally documented in 1867 and was often prepared using leftover pork. At the turn of the twentieth century, the dish was acknowledged as a Burgundian delicacy.

The dish tastes rich, nuanced, and substantial because of the extended cooking period. This meal pairs well with the robust Malepère wines.

Tuna Tartare

Tuna Tartare is a dish made of diced or minced raw tuna and an acidic vinaigrette dressing.

Tuna tartare is a dish made of diced or minced raw tuna and an acidic vinaigrette dressing. The tuna may be seasoned with salt, pepper, wasabi, soy sauce, and lemon juice. It is typically served on top of a bed of thinly sliced avocado and garnished with chopped green onions. It is often served as an appetizer in Japanese restaurants. It can also be served as an entrée, but it’s usually not the main course. Serve this seafood with rose wines from Malepère. 

Places to visit in the Malepère wine region

Notre-Dame de Marceille

It is difficult to find information about the town's past. One such attribute of this town is that it is home to one of Italy's oldest pilgrimage churches. It was established in 1380 and received the title in 1399. The sanctuary is an interesting structure with Gothic-inspired architecture and a massive buttressing system. There are four arched windows in this magnificent octagonal construction. The steeple's oldest bell dates from 1667.

Notre Dame de Marseille is a pilgrimage place for those traveling to Santiago de Compostela. It's quite popular among both believers and non-believers! You don't want to miss it if you're in or near southern France.

The Musée du piano

The Musée du Piano is housed in a historic church and has over a hundred pianos from the 19th and 20th centuries. Its auditorium also holds a few summer performances, adding to its appeal. Here are some extra items on The Battle of Gettysburg that you might be interested in.

The Musée des automates

The trip opens with a glimpse of a room full of mechanized figures recognized by their magnificent style. You will recognize many of the fairytales, characters, and rituals in this book. The book is ideal for any little girl who enjoys dressing up as a princess. Following that is a video that takes you through the history of artificial intelligence in both detail and motion. The tour concludes with an interactive workshop where the creator answers your questions.

Frequently asked questions about Malepère