 Cabardès : Country and Vineyard
From the transformation of the name of the Lords of Cabaret who defended the
fortress of the Châteaux de Lastours during the 13th century against Simon de
Montfort, came the name Cabardès.
On the gentle slopes of the Montagne Noire (100 to 300 metres in altitude), 10
kms north of Carcassonne in view of the medieval cité, the Cabardès vineyard
climbs towards forests, lakes, waterfalls, 14th century churches in
exquisit e
villages perched on the mountain side.
The "Châtellenie du Cabardès" has always been a distinct
territory, a country of
contrasts between east and west, north and south, cool green mountain woodlands
and vines under the uncompromising mediterranean sun. Nature of singular
diversity.
A diversified local economy has developed from wine production (vines planted by
the romans 1 B.C.), mineral and iron mines, tapestry manufacture, tools and wine
containers made from the forests of the Montagne Noire and animal
farming.
Here the Massif Central reaches its southern-most extremity, holm-oak woods run
into pine forests and while sheep, goats and cows graze on the higher slopes of
the Montagne Noire, the barren, sun-drenched foothills abound with lizards and
cicadas, thyme and lavander.
The western-most vineyard of the Languedoc-Roussillon and the eastern-most of
the south-west, the dry stony soil and growing environment are ideal for low
yield, top quality wine production. Cabardès is the only Languedoc A.O.C. to
blend in equal proportions Bordeaux grape varieties (Cabernet and Merlot) with
those of the Rhone (Syrah and Grenache).
The charm and atmosphere of the Cabardès countryside are enchanting, an unspoilt
region far away from the chaos of big cities.
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