Côtes du Roussillon AOC#C.C3.B4tes du Roussillon Villages AOC

The vineyards of Côtes du Roussillon -Villages stretches across the northern part of the department of Pyrénées- Orientales in the Roussillon wine region and is therefore north of the city of Perpignan. The vineyards cover 2,571 hectares in 32 municipalities. The area has since March 28, 1977 on the status of an Appellation d' Origine ( AOC short ). In the south, the area is bordered by the Appellation Côtes du Roussillon. In the north, close to the belonging to the Languedoc appellations Corbières and Fitou. The vineyards are usually on slopes along the rivers Agly, Verdouble and Maury. Are exclusively red wines.

Four communities there may record their names in the form of Côtes du Roussillon Villages Caramany, Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France, Cotes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde and Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel on the label and thus enjoy the special status of a communal appellation.

Generally, a harvest restriction to 45 hectoliters / hectare is prescribed. However, the long-term average is low 38 hectoliters / hectare.

Red wine

Red wines must be made at least three varieties, including two main varieties are blended (→ Cuvée ). The main varieties are Carignan (since 1993, its share up to 60 %), Grenache and Lledoner Pelut. As a side Syrah and Mourvèdre places apply. The combined share of the varieties Syrah and Mourvèdre is at least 30 %.

Since 2002, the Cinsault varieties and the white Macabeo are no longer permitted.

The generated spectrum of wines is broad, ranging from fruity wines that need to be drunk young, to very high-quality wines that are aged in oak barrels, and have a good shelf life.

The minimum alcohol content is 12.0 % by volume.

Approved communities

Ansignan, Baho, Baixas, Bélesta, Calce, Caramany Cases-de - Pène, Cassagnes, Corneilla -la- Rivière, Espira -de- l'Agly, Estagel, Lansac, Latour- de -France, Lesquerde, Maury, Millas ( However, only the north of the river Tet located plots), Montalba- le -Château, Montner, Opoul, Perpignan (but only the north of the river Tet located plots), Peyrestortes, Pézilla- la- Rivière, Planèzes, Rasiguères, Rivesaltes, Saint- arnac, Saint- Esteve, Saint -Paul -de- Fenouillet, Salses, Tautavel, Villeneuve- la- Rivière, Vingrau.