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P R E S S P A C K
A P P E L L A T I O N D ’ O R I G I N E C O N T R Ô L É E
CRU DULANG U E D OC
LA CLAPE
It nestles like an island at the heart of its protective mountains.
Since 9 June 2015 La Clape has been officially recognized by
the National Committee of the INAO and has become the first
AOC Languedoc appellation to become a communal AOC in
its own right. The white wines thrive in the cool sea spray whilst
the warm reds share the summer sun with the wild garrigue.
Summary
Environment – A vineyard by the Mediterranean p 3
History - A vineyard anchored in history p 4
Interview – La Clape quest for communal AOC status succeeds p 5
The Vineyard : A mosaic of terroirs p 6 / 7
In the glass : Wines with a touch of sea air p 8 / 9
Caves cooperatives and domaines – contact details p 10 / 11
A N I S L A N D O F G R E A T W I N E S
L A C L A P E
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Environment and situation
A vineyard by the Mediterranean
La Clape is situated in the Aude near Narbonne at the heart of the Regional NationalPark. Historically a Roman island, it is recognized as the largest classified natural sitein the Languedoc (Natura 2000). The appellation has succeeded in keeping its wildnatural beauty, so reminiscent of its island origins, an area where vines thrive,delighting in the sun and light. Whipped by the Tramontane wind, the vineyardsowe their uniqueness to the fractured limestone land which, combined aMediterranean sea climate, has ensured survival of great biodiversity, & combinationwhich produces hugely fresh, classy wines with great minerality.
Situated in the Aude,
La Clape stretches
between Narbonne and
the Mediterranean
covering an area
17 kilometres long
by 7 kilometres wide.
The sea forms its
eastern border,
to the west are the river
Aude's alluvial plains,
with lagoons to the south ;
it rises to 214 metres at
Pech-Redon whose high
cliffs dominate the sea,
its valleys and hillsides
covered in pine groves,
vines and garrigue.
Key figures Area under production : 768 hectares
Production zones : 6 communes Armissan, Fleury-d’Aude, Gruissan, Narbonne, Salles-d’Aude, Vinassan
Number of producers : 29 independent producers, 3 caves cooperative.
Annual production : 26,450 hectolitres
Average yield : 42 hectolitres per hectare
Colours : red (80 %) and white (20%)
Mediterraneansea
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History
A vineyard anchored in history
Human beings were already ensconced in La Clape 100,000 years ago. But it was only with theadvent of the Phoceans (600 BCE) and, especially, the Romans (118 BCE) that wine production tookoff. When the Romans colonised the area towards the end of the 2nd century BCE, they weredelighted by this tree covered area which had a similar climate to Italy. In those days it was still anisland, the largest in the gulf of Narbonne. Julius Caesar awarded land to the best of his troops whosoon threw themselves enthusiastically into wine production. Soon, wines from la Clape, known asInsula Laci, were being exported to Toulouse and Bordeaux as well as throughout the Empire. LaClape producers were even the first to benefit from the privilege of planting granted by the Senateto Roman citizens in Narbonne.
La Clape's golden age From the 12 th century onwards, a period of intense economic development, Narbonne became agreat centre for international trade, its influence spreading far and wide. Towards 1650, out of twelveboats sailing from the town's port, ten were full of wine. During the 17 th century, the construction ofthe Canal du Midi further accentuated this trend. And although the vineyards around Narbonnewere affected by oïdium and phylloxera late in the day, these two pests destroyed all the vines in the19 th century. It was 50 years before La Clape's vines were reborn on the island which had, in the14 th century, been joined to the mainland by soil washed down by the river Aude and changes tothe coastline.
Producers with a vision The rebirth of La Clape is owed to the vision and enthusiasm of a few producers, most particularlythe Countess of Woillemont. As first chairman of the "syndicat de défense du cru la Clape", in 1951she succeeded in gaining official recognition of the production zone as Appellation d'Origine VDQS"La Clape". In the 1970s, thanks to producer Jean Segura, the area's white wines became well knownthanks to one grape variety, Bourbelenc (or Malvoisie). And, although the producers chose to comeunder the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc in 1985, they agreed parallel, more restrictive, regulationsthan those of the decree which was, itself, modified on 18 May 1998. In 2007, the producersapproached the INAO (l’Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité) requesting to become anindependent denomination : the AOC La Clape. The request was approved in May 2009 and wasvalidated on 9 June 2015 by the INAO.
“The Romans christened it ‘insula laci’ due to the number of lakes (…). As always, they were not mistaken. Julius Caesar used to give thewine as a reward to his best troops.” Le Figaro, February 2015
Wine production started at La Clape towards the end of the 2nd century BCE. Itreached its zenith when the small town of Narbonne became the capital of theNarbonnaise, a province conquered by the Romans. It was they who started seriouslycultivating and developing vines around the La Clape mountainsides.
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Interview
La Clape quest for communal AOC status succeeds
On 9 June 2015, the La Clape denomination was recognized by the INAO’s NationalCommittee. A great victory for a terroir whose producers had battled for seven yearsto obtain communal Appellation d’Origine Controlée (AOC) status.
Christophe Bousquet, chairman of this new Languedoc star, explains.What does this recognition mean ?C-B : It’s a strong message to all those producers who have beeninvolved in this project for 7 years. It was a quest requiring anenormous amount of collective work, investment and sacrifice. Since2012, in order to prove their determination, they adopted the formalAOC La Clape specifications for production, yields and grape varieties.This decision meant abandoning rosé in La Clape, in that thespecifications did not authorize its vinification. This recognition is thusa truly successful outcome for our group and proof of the high qualitylevel of our wines.
When will you be able to indicate the new status on your wines ?C-B : As from the 2015 vintage, the La Clape terroir’s 29 independent producers and 3 cooperatives will beableto label their wines “AOC La Clape”. It will become the first appellation in the AOC family to be seen asan AOC in its own right in two colours (red and white). We are truly proud and happy.
“La Clape thus becomes the first appellation in the AOC family to beseen as a communal AOC in two colours (red and white).”
Memo. 1945 : The Syndicat of la Clape producers makes its appearance. 1951 : Decree recognising the la Clape area as a VDQS (vin délimité de qualité supérieure)
covering the five communes of : Armissan, Fleury-d’Aude, Narbonne, Salles-d’Aude et Vinassan(JO of 12 septembre 1951).
. 1973 : The la Clape massif beomes a protected site. With 15 000 hectares, it's the largest in theLanguedoc-Roussillon.
. 1985 : Decree of 24 December 1985 defines the Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée Coteaux duLanguedoc and the Coteaux du Languedoc-La Clape.
. 1998 : 18 May, modification of decree defining the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc(stricter production conditions)
. 2007 : Deposit, in January of formal request for recognition of the AOC La Clape denominationwith the INAO (Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité).
. 2010 : Committee of enquiry set up by the INAO '.
. 2015 : Official recognition of the AOC La Clape by the INAO. The official decree was publishedin the 30 october 2015. 6 communes (Armissan, Fleury-d’Aude, Gruissan, Narbonne, Salles-d’Aude, Vinassan)
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The Vineyard
A mosaic of terroirs
Environment A combination of narrow, windy marl valleys, water falls on steep slopes and steep cliffs facing theMediterranean all mean that the La Clape countryside is quite unlike the surrounding plains. Part ofthe Narbonne Regional Park it has been registered as a listed site by the Conservatoire du Littoralsince 1973. The mountain is home to outstanding flora and fauna ; indeed since 2000 it has beenlisted as a Natura zone so as to protect the birds and their habitat. The vines act as a natural windbreak, and some vineyards have been specially designed with this in mind, as part of a commoneffort.
Climate La Clape's climate is dry and hard, with sunshine and gusty winds beating against the naked rocks.La Clape's position as one of the sunniest in France (over 3 000 hours of sunshine annually) is due tothe 13 winds that blow over it. Among them, the Tramontane, Cers, Ponant, wind from Spain, Lebechor Gregaou all share the job of chasing away the clouds that could cover the lovely island.Occasionally, southern storms threaten to blow away the local windmills. Occasionally, la Claperesembles a tropical island. Ravines overflow, pines and reeds succumb to the elements. All thisstrengthens the vines : water quenches their thirst, cleaning them at the same time, the wind driesand airs them, the sun feeds them whilst filling the grapes with sugar. It's a hard climate whichguarantees great quality wines.
Diversity is behind the character and riches of the la Clape vineyards. Althoughlinked geographically, the altitude, sea influence, incredibly varied types of soil andvarying outlooks all add up a true mosaic of terroirs.
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“ Vines here are to be found close to the homesteads. One of laClape’s special characteristics is the incredible diversity of its physicalmakeup. It’s not unknown for the whole range of soils to be reflectedin individual domaine. ”
Soils The last link to the high Pyrenees and isolated by a convenient fault line, la Clape used to be totallysurrounded by water. Protecting an ancient bay, it guaranteed the excellence of Narbonne's port.La Clape still reflects the changes of time. The sea eroded it mercilessly stripping plant life from thelimestone of its majestic cliffs. Grottos and chasms riddle the slopes. Underground streams criss crossit, purifying the soil as they go. A great variety of soils co-exist : layers of flat, sharp angled stone, redsoils made up of ferrous oxide, grey or yellow calcareous marl, red or green sandstone… La Clape'ssoils provide a great base for the various grapes, which feel thoroughly at home in them. Hard stonesmean tough vines which soon develop their full potential.
La Clape : a 'pile of pebbles' facing the sea Thanks to the number of lakes on the island it was originally known as Insula Laci ; nowadays theyremain as ponds. For over 600 years La Clape was a steep, heavily wooded escarpment, thelargest in the Aude delta archipelago. Between the 1 st and 13 th centuries, the sea reachedNarbonne even, to the east, bi-passing it. Even in 150 CE Narbonne was a port and la Clape anisland. But with climate change, the Aude flooded more often, and the land gradually spread intothe sea thanks to scree and stones being carried down Pyrenean streams to the main river. By the14 th century the la Clape island joined up with the mainland whilst its deforestation added to thesoil erosion. It has since then been known as the Occitan for 'pile of pebbles'.
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In the glass
Wines with a touch of sea air
Grapes To have the right to be the AOC La Clape appellation wines must be made exclusively from thefollowing :
Red wines :Main varieties : Grenache, Mourvèdre, SyrahComplementary varieties : Carignan, CinsaultGrenache grapes must make up at least 20 % of the total appellation registered land, whilst themain varieties must make up at least 70 %. At least two of the main varieties must be used in theblend.
White wines :Main varieties : White Bourboulenc, and white Clairette, Grenache, Marsanne, Picpoul, Rolle andRoussanneComplementary varieties : white Carignan and white Maccabeu, Terret and UgniAdditional variety : Viognier limited to 10 %.Bourboulenc must make up at least 40 % of the whole. A blend of White Grenache / Bourboulencmust make up at least 60 %. A blend must include at least two of the main varieties.
Well known for the Mediterranean character enlivened by the sea air, AOC La Clapewines come in two colours. Renowned for the subtlety of the exuberant whites withtheir great aromatic finesse, and for a splendid range of reds which includes lighterones which live happily beside fuller ones with more body.
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“A successful Bourbelenc, an indescribable pleasure, combining lotsof life with great body fullness. ” Le Figaro, February 2015
The wines
Red wines redolent of the garrigue Mostly based on Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, wines are predominantly red. Full and wellbalanced they stand out for their rich, complex nose and aromas of spice and garrigue.
White wines : mouthwatering and reminiscent of the sea What makes them special ? They are based on Bourboulenc which is also known as Malvoisie. Thisgrape means the wine is a beautiful gold colour with floral aromas, full of finesse and very elegantwith occasional hints of fresh aniseed. Harmonious in the mouth, they are simultaneously fresh androunded.
May - “Les Sentiers Gourmands”On the third Sunday of May each year, the Syndicat of AOC La Clape producers organizes"Sentiers Gourmands en Clape Vigneronne” (a ramble around fine food and wine). Truly bucolicdays around vines, wine, good food and Languedoc heritage, these days include a trek aroundthe area, with halts for luscious refreshment. Armed with straw hats and small bags containingcutlery, a tasting glass, notebook and pencil, participants enjoy a convivial six kilometres walkbetween vines and lagoons. Halts for mouthwatering dishes in the heart of the vines are organisedby the Narbonne chef Marc Schwal (Les Cuisiniers Cavistes) and accompanied at each stage bythe appellation’s producers.
Caves Cooperative and domaines
Contact details
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Château LaquirouErika Hug-Harke Route de Saint-Pierre11560 Fleury d'AudeTél. 04 68 33 91 [email protected]
Château La NéglyJean Paux-Rosset Route de Saint-Pierre11560 Fleury d’AudeTél. 04 68 33 87 [email protected]
Château MoyauBernhard Koehler 11 560 Fleury d’AudeTél. 04 68 45 68 [email protected]
Château Mire l'EtangPhilippe et Bernard Chamayrac11560 Fleury d'AudeTél. 04 68 33 62 [email protected]
Domaine Combe des DucsGautier Fountic24 bd du Général de Gaulle11560 Fleury d'AudeTél. 06 23 06 13 [email protected]
Domaine Ferri-ArnaudCathy et Richard FerriAvenue de l'Hérault11560 Fleury d'AudeTél. 04 68 33 89 [email protected]
Domaine HortalaJean-Marie Hortala10, place du Languedoc11560 Fleury d'AudeTél. 04 68 33 37 [email protected]
G R U I S S A N
Cave coopérative de GruissanFrédéric Vrinat 1, bd de la Corderie11430 GruissanTél. 04 68 49 01 [email protected]
A R M I S S A N
Château CamplazensSusan et Peter Close 11110 ArmissanTél. 04 68 45 38 [email protected]
Domaine de l'AngelMichel Kleinrichert CD 3111110 ArmissanTél. 04 68 45 67 [email protected]
Domaine de la RamadeJacques Ribourel 11110 ArmissanTél. 04 68 41 31 [email protected]
Domaine Sarrat de GoundyOlivier Calix46, Avenue de Narbonne11110 VinassanTél. 04 68 45 30 [email protected]
C O U R S A N
Cave de Coursan Armissan37 rue de l’Espérance11110 CoursanTél. 04 68 33 50 [email protected]
F L E U R Y D ' A U D E
Cave La VendémiaireHugues Banon BP1011560 Fleury d'AudeTél. 04 68 33 61 [email protected]
Château d'AnglèsFamille Fabre Rivière Le Haut11560 Fleury d'AudeTél. 04 68 33 61 [email protected]
Château BouissetChristophe Barbier 11560 Fleury d'AudeTél. Tél. 04 68 33 60 13
Caves Cooperative and domaines
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N A R B O N N E
Château Abbaye des MongesPaul de Chefdebien 11100 NarbonneTél. 04 68 32 26 [email protected]
Château CapitoulVignobles Bonfils Route de Gruissan11100 NarbonneTél. 04 68 49 23 [email protected]
Château de FiguièresAudrey Pujo Route de Gruissan / La Couleuvre11100 NarbonneTél. 04 68 32 40 [email protected]
Château L'HôspitaletGérard Bertrand 11100 NarbonneTél. 04 68 45 27 [email protected]
Château Pech-RedonChristophe BousquetRoute de Gruissan /La Couleuvre11100 NarbonneTél. 04 68 90 41 [email protected]
Château RicardelleBruno Pellegrini Route de Gruissan11100 NarbonneTél. 04 68 65 21 [email protected]
Château de ViresEric Lignères Route de Narbonne-Plage11100 NarbonneTél. 04 68 45 30 [email protected]
Domaine de la Fée BistandeAnnie et Michel Rambaud 24, rue Henri Rouzaud11100 NarbonneTél. 06 15 22 12 [email protected]
Domaine de RicardelleMarie-Claire et Michel JousseaumeRoute de Gruissan11100 NarbonneTél. 04 68 32 05 [email protected]
Mas du SoleillaGérard Bertrand Route de Narbonne-Plage11100 NarbonneTél. 04 68 45 24 [email protected]
Vignobles MoujanPatrick Mazzoleni Le FiguierRoute de Narbonne Plage11100 NarbonneTél. 04 68 90 75 [email protected]
N A R B O N N E - P L A G E
Château Rouquette sur MerJacques Boscary Route Bleue11100 Narbonne-plageTél. 04 68 65 68 [email protected]
S A L L E S D ' A U D E
Château Pech CéleyranFamille Saint-Exupéry11110 Salles d'AudeTél. 04 68 33 50 [email protected]
Domaine CosteplaneVincent Costeplane2, Chemin de Lies11110 Salles d'AudeTél. 04 68 33 38 [email protected]
Domaine La Combe Saint-PaulLine et Paul Maury34 bis rue du Jeu de Mail11110 Salles d’AudeTél. 06 15 08 54 [email protected]
V I N A S S A N
Château de MarmorièresJehan de Woillemont11110 VinassanTél. 04 68 45 23 [email protected]
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Syndicat AOC La Clape6 place des Jacobins - BP 221 - 11102 Narbonne Cedex
Tél. +33 (0)4 68 90 38 30
www.la-cla pe.com
Syndicat AOC LanguedocMas de Saporta - CS 30 030 - 34973 Lattes Cedex
Tél. +33 (0)4 67 06 04 44
www.languedoc-aoc.com
CIVL6 place des Jacobins - BP 221 - 11102 Narbonne Cedex
Tél. +33 (0)4 68 90 38 30
www.languedoc-wines .com
Contact Presse :Clair de Lune - Amélie Bluma & Laura Pillot
12 rue Saint-Polycarpe - 69001 LyonTél. +33 (0)4 72 07 31 90 - [email protected]
www.clairdelune.fr
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