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February 2012
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44.2%France France
31.5%Netherlands Netherlands
5.4%Israel Israel
4.9%United States United States
3.2% 
3%United Kingdom United Kingdom
1.8%Belgium Belgium
1.1%Germany Germany
0.4%Canada Canada
0.4%Switzerland Switzerland
0.4%Spain Spain
0.4%Ireland Ireland
0.3%Denmark Denmark
0.3%Norway Norway
0.3%Sweden Sweden

Total des visiteurs : 68169

Mentions légales

Mairie de Bize-Minervois
Responsable de la Publication :
Alain Fabre
Maire de Bize-Minervois

Téléphone Mairie : 04 68 46 10 29
Hôtel de Ville
11120 Bize Minervois
 


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Producers of the region

11120 Bize-Minervois

Wines of Bize-Minervois

A land and men

02_marie_binistiThe Situation of the Minervois in the South of France
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.


01_marie_binistiWines of Bize
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!


Aware of the potential richness of their terroir, of its diversity, the wine-growers of Bize have worked hard, passionately, obstinately. Today they offer us the fruits of their labours: wines in their image, in the image of this magnificent country, wines of which they are proud and which we are delighted to help you discover.
Marie Binisti et Luc Coste-Sarguet
Special thanks to our translator, Malcolm Eades.
*Translator's note


A wine's "appellation" is its geographical name that is protected by French law. Appellation wines carry the letters "AOC" on their label. This stands for "Appellation d'Origine Controlée" and confirms that the wine comes from a defined area and has satisfied the requirements of the Instituit Nationale des Appellations d'Origine. The system is intended to protect wines (as well as othger local food products) from cheap imitations produced a long way from the original source.


"Terroir" is notoriously difficult to translate with a single English word and as a consequence is usually used untranslated in English. To the wine-lover it is a familiar concept that encompasses the geographical and geological location, soil type, climatic conditions and spirit of place all of which give a wine its unique character.


Producers of the region of Bize-Minervois

Image


Bernard Tricoire, beekeeper
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 mayor, Alain Fabre (on the right of the photo), his deputy Pascal Desjeans, and the Regional Producers of Bize-Minervois :

producteurs_01

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.
Special thanks to our translator, Sue Ackloo.
producteurs_02

The day of the Olive festival, selections of wines to taste, with tapenade and olives, honey and goat cheeses, country delicatessen…

Les domaines

Chèvrerie et fromagerie


Last Updated (Friday, 02 December 2011 15:40)