Cabardes is a relatively small appellation for red and rosé wines produced in the hills just North of Carcassonne in Southern France. The appellation was introduced in 1999, to represent and ensure the quality of the wines, which have been produced here since Roman times. The Languedoc-Roussillon/cabards">Cabardès catchment area, situated in the foothills of the Montagne Noire, is on the border between the Languedoc-Roussillon and the South West of France. This dual identity is reflected in the Grape varieties that make up the wines of the appellation: Grenache and Syrah from the south and east of France; Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the southwest and Bordeaux.
The result is Rich, unusual and Characteristic red wines. Most of the wines produced under the appellation are red, but a small amount of rosé wines are also produced. These are generally wines of intense flavour and character, Dry in style and produced by the Bleeding method. This method involves separating, or "bleeding", the slightly macerated free-run Juice from recently crushed dark-skinned grapes.
