The Minervois region, increasingly recognized as a source for fine red wines, lies east of the medieval fortress city of Carcasonne. The vineyards, which span more than 40 villages, begin near the town of Minerve and run across hot, scrubby slopes to the Aude River. Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Syrah and Mourvèdre are used to make richly flavored, deep- red wines with notes of dark fruits and spice.
Within Minervois, the tiny Muscat de St.-Jean-de-Minervois appellation is the source for perfumed and elegant fortified white dessert wines.
Pronunciation
[mee-nehr-VWAH]
