The Minervois is part of the appellation* Languedoc-Roussillon, a vast tract of land which encompasses different appellations like Corbieres, Coteaux du Langudoc, Fitou, Cabardes, Coteaux de la Clape....

Geographically, the Minervois is bordered on the east by the town of Beziers and on the west by the city of Carcassonne. Seen from above it resembles a huge amphitheatre created by the surrounding hills; the wine growing area is bordered to the north by the Black Mountain (whose highest point is the Pic de Nore, at 1,211 meters above sea level) and in the south by the Canal du Midi (20 meters above sea level in the hamlet of Le Somail).

The vineyard of the Minervois puts its roots down in a mosaic of terroirs* whose characteristics, whose "signature" is found in the very diverse wines that are derived from them. These unique and different characteristics of the wines of the Minervois are accentuated further by variations in the exposure of the vineyards (i.e. the way their slopes face in relation to the sun), their height and certain micro-climates.

The wines of Bize-Minervois are mainly the product of a terroir called "Les Serres", but they do also come from vines planted in the terroirs of "Mourels" and "St Jean de Minervois".

Though they share the signature of the wines of the Languedoc, being sun-soaked wines par excellence, they also carry within them the stamp of a particular sub-soil and a favourable exposure.

Over several years now, the wine-growers of this area have accomplished a major task in developing and improving their vineyards.

The care devoted to cultivating the vine, respect for the environment, harvesting by hand and small yields have all born fruit.

Improvements in the process of winemaking and vine husbandry have enabled the development of wines that bear the strong imprint of the personality of these wine-growers to whom we wish to pay homage!

Originally from Mirepeisset, Bernard Tricoire was recently at the Domaine du Vergel, in the commune of Ginestas. He has set up business in Bize-Minervois in the premises of the old Cathala garage, Avenue de la Gare :

"As far as honey is concerned, it is not the commercial aspect, which poses a problem, but the production of the honey, which is the opposite to growing vines. Along with the few shepherds, who still remain, this is one of the last trades of the garigue. The commercial opportunities are centred on local sales and passing trade. Production has diversified, notably with a gingerbread, made with honey and country flour."

The regional producers and representatives from the council meet every year, and together prepare the marketing approach of all the products grown in the area of the commune. These regional products are showcased at the Olive festival, which is the biggest event in the Bize year.

The concept of a common marketing approach, inaugurated in July 2007, has been a complete success. This is why, since then, an area under the designation "Producers of the Bize-Minervois area" has been reserved on the Place de L'Eglise, with a particular identity and welcome.

On the day of the Olive festival, which takes place every year on the 3rd Sunday in July, the council offers several tastings spread throughout the day, with the help of wine expert, François Surget, who comments on the wines.

Les domaines

• Le Monastrel (04 68 46 01 55)
• Château Belvize (04 68 46 22 70)
• Loup Blanc La Roueyre (04 67 38 18 82)
• Jean-Claude PELOFI
• St Michel Archange (04 68 46 28 35)
• Le Clos des Suds La Roueyre (04 67 38 25 02)
• Château Cabezac (04 68 46 23 05)
• La Croix de Saint Jean (08 75 45 62 53). Un article paru dans le magazine L'Express en mars 2007.
• Grégory Stuart La Roueyre (04 67 89 57 64)
• Château Landure (04 68 46 30 59)
• Domaine du Somail (06 18 09 24 73)
  

Chèvrerie et fromagerie

• Fromagerie de Fontfresque Baudié (04 68 46 30 63)
• Chèvrerie de Combebelle Commune de Bize-Minervois (04 67 38 05 38)