While the landscape of La Clape rises as a spectacular promontory in the Narbonne region, this impression is no accident. Already known to the Phoenicians and later occupied by the Romans, this jewel of the Narbonne vineyards was initially an island offering hospitable shelter to sailors. Later, around the 13th century , the alluvial deposits carried by the Aude River finally connected it to the mainland. Perched atop cliffs, covered in garrigue and umbrella pines, bordered by ponds and overlooking the sea, the La Clape massif is also home to an exceptional, typically Mediterranean AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée). The vineyards, exposed to the region's thirteen winds, cultivate the appellation's typical grape varieties. For the reds, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan, and Cinsault predominate, while Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, and Roussanne are the mainstays of the whites. Although rosé is excluded from the appellation, Carthagène is also produced there , a typical fortified wine of the region obtained by blending fresh grape must and wine brandy.
The appellation La Clape
by Frédéric Vrinat, director of the Gruissan Wine Cellar
Meetings with the winemakers of La Clape
The Cave of Gruissan
Chateau Pech Redon
Mas du Soleilla
Château Capitoul
Chateau l'Hospitalet
Woillemont vineyards
