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Terroir & Grape Varieties

AN EXCEPTIONAL TERROIR

Located in the Pyrenean foothills, at the crossroads of Atlantic and Mediterranean climate influences, the Limoux wine region is one of great richness and diversity.
 
The Sieur d'Arques winemakers and wine growers have understood this. Pioneers in the identification and selection of the finest vineyard plots, they have been taking a qualitative and innovative approach for over thirty years; They have highlighted 4 great terroirs and selected only plots for which the microclimate, soil, topography and altitude are suitable for the production of ripe, healthy grapes.
The Mediterranean influence in the east, along with the temperate climate due to the oceanic influence in the west, ensures that the region receives the perfect amount of sunshine and rainfall distributed throughout the year. The result is a converging climate in the centre of the appellation with a cooler climate dominating in the south as you approach the Pyrenean mountains. Added to this, you have a mainly clay-limestone soil and vineyard parcels lying at between 200 to 500 metres above sea level.
 
This all gives us the profile of a land full of promise for “author wines”. The Vignerons du Sieur d’Arques is able to make the most of this diversity over its 1,804 hectares of vineyards.
TERROIR
MÉDITERRANÉEN AUTAN OCÉANIQUE HAUTE-VALLÉE
Altitude  100-200m 150-200m 200-300m >350m
Sol Graves sur marne argilo calcaire Graves avec roche mère calcaire   Argilo-calcaire avec des graves
Climat
Très chaud et sec
Influence méditerranéenne
Précipitations 550 mm par an 
Chaud et sec
Précipitations 570mm par an
Plus frais et humide
Influence atlantiue
Précipitation 850 mm par an 
Frais et assez humide
Influence purénéenne
Précipitation 800 mm par an
Bilan Hydrique Bon drainage Réserves moyenne Réserves importantes  Bonnes réserves
Vendanges Précoce Précoce +1 semaine / Médit.
Tardive 
+2-3 semaines / Médit.
 

OUR GRAPE VARIETIES

Each grape variety brings its own qualities and contributes to the unique character of our wines. The iconic grape varieties that create the signature style of our sparkling wines are the Mauzac, Chardonnay, and the Pinot Noir.
 
Chardonnay is the main varietal in our still Limoux blanc AOC, while Merlot, Syrah and Grenache are used for our reds.