AOC MALEPERE

APPELLATION AREA 
This region extends from the Canal du Midi in the North, as far as the Aude in the east. The most western Languedoc appellation surrounds the wooded massif of Malepère, from the gates of Carcassonne to Limoux and as far as Lauragais. 

GEOLOGY
Argilo-calcareous hillsides with hilltops, ancient gravel terraces and gravel summits. 

CLIMATE
Oceanic tendency mixed with a Mediterranean character displaying a transitional climate with specific characteristics affected by altitude, exposure and the position on an east-west gradient favoring the growth of wild plants preferring the Mediterranean, sub-Mediterranean and even ocean climates.

GRAPES
Planting has been adapted to the ecologic diversity and the Malepère AOC wines are created by the assemblage of Atlantic and Mediterranean grapes. Planting for the red wines: main grape Merlot (minimum 50%), complementary grapes, Cabernet Franc, Cot (minimum 20%), secondary grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Cinsault. Planting for the rosé wines: main grape, cabernet Franc (minimum 50%) complementary grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Cot, Grenache, Merlot.(minimum 20%) 

VINIFICATION
For the red wines: stripped grape harvesting, traditional vinification with maceration and temperature control. The period in vats is variable.
Rosés produced by saignée, fermentation at low-temperature.

KEY FIGURES 
500 ha 
100 producers 
4 cooperative wine producers 
16 private wine producers 

Average yield 
50 hl/hectare

Average production 
20 000 hl (80% red, 20% rosé)

Sales 
15 000 hl 
(Storehouse outputs 2005/06) 
Traditional and direct sales : 50% 
General Distribution: 30% 
Export: 20%
Source CIVL