Côtes du Luberon AOC

Côtes du Luberon is a wine region in the southern part of the wine-growing region Rhône. The appellation, which since February 26, 1988 the status of an Appellation d' Origine ( AOC short ) has, is named after the region of the Luberon. The vineyards cover 4,000 hectares and are located in 36 municipalities on the true left bank of the Rhône, however, a few kilometers inland. The area extends within the département of Vaucluse between Cavaillon and Manosque in the west to the east. Are permitted only on slopes that have a limestone floor. The average crop is at 170,000 hectoliters / year.

History

The area has been occupied since 120 BC by the Romans, who started quickly with the establishment of vineyards. But only with the interests of the great monasteries in the Middle Ages the monks busy the quality aspirations in viticulture. The Côtes du Luberon region also benefited from in 1309 from the presence of the Popes in Avignon ( Avignonesisches papacy ). The vineyards participated in such large proportions that for 20 years Rebuilding of vines was prohibited in 1369.

As the system of appellations was introduced in France in the 1930s, it sat in the region of Cotes du Luberon an interest group to promote wine quality. The wine-growing area was declared on 20 December 1951 Vin de Qualité Supérieure Délimité ( VDQS ) and on 27 February 1988 on the appellation.

Wine and varietal

The red wine, which accounts for 65 % of the introduced wines from the main vine Grenache, Syrah ( the proportion of the first two varieties is since 1995 at least 60 %), Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault made ​​. In addition, up to 10% of Nebensorten Counoise Noir, Piquepoul Noir, Gamay and Pinot Noir are allowed. The secondary varieties are only allowed a few years, as the vines are stripped of these varieties and replaced by the main places. The red wines are usually garnet, not too heavy, fruity and fragrant. Good wineries such as Château de l' Isolette Château Val Joanis or, but bring quite very full-bodied wines on the market.

For the rosé, the same applies Rebsortenmix.

The white wine contains the main varieties Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino ( here, " role " called ). The proportion of Ugni Blanc is on max since 1995. 50 % fixed. As a side places Roussanne and Marsanne are allowed. The proportion of secondary varieties may total max. 20 %, respectively.

The proportion of whites is about 25 % in this appellation in comparison to the surrounding Appellation Côtes du Ventoux such as Côtes du Rhône or comparatively high because the climate is a little cooler.

The income limit is generally at 50 hectoliters / hectare. The wines must have a minimum alcohol content of 11 percent by volume.

The 36 eligible municipalities

Ansouis, Apt, La Bastide -des- Jourdan, La bastidonne, Beaumont -de- Pertuis, Bonnieux, Cabrières- d'Aigues, Cadenet, Le Castellet, Cheval- Blanc, cucuron, Goult, Gram Bois, Lacoste, Lauris, Lourmarin, Maubec, Menerbes, mérindol, Mirabeau, La Motte- d'Aigues, Oppède, Pertuis, Peypin- d'Aigues, Puget, Puyvert, Robion, Saignon, Saint -Martin -de- Castillon, Saint -Martin -de- la- Brasque, Sannes, Les Taillades, La Tour- d'Aigues, Vaugines, Ville Laure and Vitrolles.