Located in the Hérault, between Béziers and Pézenas, the Thongue ribs inherit their name from the small river that irrigates their territory. Backed by the Cévennes, the terroir descends in stages towards the Mediterranean through a succession of gravelly marls, layers of clay then pebble terraces. Oriented from north to south, the territory is punctuated in places by hilly reliefs called puechs. Well exposed to Mediterranean influences, the appellation benefits from geological and meteorological convergences that are particularly favorable to viticulture. The appellation authorizes the planting of more than a hundred grape varieties, but Languedoc species are dominant. In red and rosé, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Pinot and Carignan stand out. Whites include Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Viognier, Rolle as well as Muscats. The appellation extends over 23 municipalities which bring together around sixty estates and around ten cooperatives. Under the impetus of Conservatory of Natural Areas of Languedoc Roussillon IGP Côtes de Thongue has been engaged since 2016 in a biodiversity approach, promoted by an environmental charter. The environmental quality, the geological nuances supported by the Mediterranean influence, give the wines produced in the appellation a beautiful expressive latitude.
Where to taste wines in Côtes de Thongue
La Croix Belle: full sun on the rosés
Domaine La Croix Belle
Beautiful Cross Estate
Independent cellar
The family domain Jacques Boyer, founder of the appellation Thongue ribs.