Vineyards, wines and grape varieties
Vineyards and terroirs of Malepère
The Malepère appellation lies southwest of the city of Carcassonne . To the south, it borders the Limoux appellation . To the north, it faces the neighboring vineyards of Cabardès . Together, they form the western boundary of Languedoc, beyond which lie the vineyards of Southwest France . The appellation derives its name from the Occitan word *male peyre* , meaning " bad stone ," a name given by builders due to the local sandstone's propensity for erosion. Subject to the dual influence of Atlantic and Mediterranean climates, the Malepère appellation offers four distinct terroirs: Dominicain, Razès, Carcassonne, and Belle Aude. Surrounded by forested slopes, their topography is punctuated by hillocks known as *Pech* in Occitania. In this terroir where the Pyrenean foothills have softened, vines coexist with mixed farming practices that include cereals, sunflowers, and rapeseed. In the Malepère AOP , Atlantic grape varieties are predominant. Merlot makes up at least 40% of the red wines, blended with at least 20% Malbec or Cabernet Franc. In smaller proportions, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Cinsault, or Lledoner Pelut may complete the blends. A unique characteristic of Malepère is that Syrah is never used in red wines but can contribute to the production of rosé wines where Cabernet Franc is the dominant grape. Outside the appellation, white wines that benefit from the presence of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, or Viognier fall under the Pays d'Oc IGP designation.
Meetings with winemakers from the Malepère PDO
Domaine La Louviere
Domaine Rose & Paul
Anne de Joyeuse
Food and wine
Malepère wines naturally find their perfect terroir pairing with Castelnaudary's cassoulet , a staple of the region's cuisine. Culinary traditions also make them a fitting partner for local game: wood pigeon salmis, hare stew, wild boar stew, and more. And let's not forget the bounty of the land and the season, such as the truffles and mushrooms found in the region.