Corbières is an important appellation in the Languedoc-roussillon">Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. It is one of the best known and most productive appellations in the Languedoc. The Corbières vineyards produce large quantities of red and rosé wines, as well as a growing number of white wines. The reds are the strongest Part of the appellation; they are reputedly Rich and herbal, made from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Lledoner Pelut and Carignan.
The rosé wines of the Corbières are also very famous, made from the same red grape varieties, combined with Grenache Gris and Picpoul. White wines represent only a small percentage of the total production. They are made from a wide selection of grape varieties - notably Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Maccabeu, Marsanne and Roussanne. The appellation has about 2,200 winegrowers, nearly 300 private producers and more than 30 cooperatives.
Mainly cultivated in the Languedoc region, carignan originates from Spain. Because of its very resistant branches, it is often called hardwood. Its bunches are quite large. They are compact and winged with a lignified stalk. The berries are spherical in shape and take on a bluish-black colour. Carignan has a total of 25 approved clones, the best known of which are 274, 65 and 9. The carignan buds at the beginning of June and is protected from spring frosts. It does not reach maturity until the third period. Also, this grape variety needs warmth and sunshine. It appreciates dry and not very fertile soils. Carignan vines can live for more than 100 years. Those that are more than 30 years old produce a better wine. This wine is well coloured. It is generous and powerful at the same time. Pepper, cherry, blackberry, banana, raspberry, almond, prune and violet are some of the aromas that this grape variety gives off.
red wines from the region of Corbières go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, pasta or veal such as recipes of beef tagine with prunes and almonds, tagliatelle with shrimps or veal shank with mushrooms.
On the nose in the region of Corbières often reveals types of flavors of plum, non oak or earth and sometimes also flavors of oak, spices or red fruit. In the mouth in the region of Corbières is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
