Appellation area

At the heart of the Minervois in the natural area called the Petit Causse, at the piedmont of the Montagne Noire, this area includes six communities: Azillanet, Azille, Cesseras, Félines Minervois, La Livinière and Siran.

Geology

The Minervois La Livinière area could be considered as a miniature replica of the Minervois area because of its soils and landscapes where all extreme elements are attenuated. In the area of the limestone plateau, the ground alternates between compact limestone and limestone marls.  The hills are mainly clay marls and clay.

Climate

Due to its position between the Serre d’Oupia and the hills of Laure-Minervois, this is a dry area with rain fall of between 400 and 500 mm per year and significant water shortages in summer.  The hot days in this area are relieved by the cool night time breezes coming down from the mountain crests.

Grapes

Planting consists of a minimum of 60% Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache (thus 40% minimum Syrah or Mourvèdre), possibly complemented using Carignan, Cinsault, Terret, Piquepoul and Aspiran.

Vinification

Planting consists of a minimum of 60% Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache (thus 40% minimum Syrah or Mourvèdre), possibly complemented using Carignan, Cinsault, Terret, Piquepoul and Aspiran.

Development strategy

Supported by the action of the Minervois Ambition programmes, the wine producers have shown exemplary rigour.  Wines are tasted twice during the ageing year in order to evaluate their potential.  Following approval and before bottling, a final tasting is used to verify fulfilment of the quality specifications.  Success authorises the wine producer to use a specific labelling including a cap with the La Livinière logo and the corresponding label with a quality guarantee number.

Key figures

350 hectares

2 cooperative wine producers

40 private wine producers

Maximum authorised yield

45 hectolitres/hectare

Production

11 000 hectolitres

Sales

6 200 hectolitres (Storehouse outputs 2005/06)

Export, cellar masters and CHR