Terrasse du Larzac is a Controlled Designation of Origin (AOC) that became independent in 2014 from the Côtes du Languedoc region in southern France, and is made up of 32 villages.
Mainly made with Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignan, Moraster, and Terre Noir can also be used.
According to Master of Wine Jancis Robinson, this appellation is ``the highest cru in the Coteau du Languedoc and, along with neighboring Pic Saint-Loup, the most exciting cru.'' It is said that there is.
Terrasse du L'Arzac is an area that straddles the villages of Anianne and Jonquière, and is the home of Mas de Domas Gassac (1974) and Mas Julien (1985), respectively, who are the leading figures of this area. It can be said that it is the land of the Languedoc wine renaissance.
Then, in 1992, Domaine de la Grange des Peres was established in the village of Anianne.
About the production area
Terrasse du Larzac is located in the northern part of the Hérault department. It has an asymmetrical V-shape and is crossed by the Hérault River, which flows from north to south.
The Causse du Larzac runs along the entire northern border. It extends along the river bed of the L'Ergues in the west, and along the flanks of the Seranne Mountains and the Bouèges Valley in the northeast.
Mount Saint-Baudil rises in the center of the first foothills of Larzac, and at the foot of the Larzac valley, a series of ancient terraces rises some 50 meters above the Hérault and L'Ergue rivers.
Some of the slopes that form the natural boundaries of the Terrasse du L'Arzac are over 800 meters above sea level, but the vineyards classified as AOC Coteau du Languedoc range from 50 to 300 acres on the slopes of mountain passes and old terraces. It is in the range of meters.
soil and climate
Limestone marl overhanging Jurassic limestone cliffs. Near the Hérault River, frozen limestone is deposited, and terraces continue down to the river.
Although it has the largest temperature difference in the Languedoc region, it is far from the sea and close to mountain passes, so summer nights are relatively cool. As a result, the grapes ripen slowly and steadily, which is beneficial for both the color and aromatic quality of the wine.
AOC regulations
This appellation is for red wines only.
A blend of at least two varieties is mandatory, including Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre (at least 60%), Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre alone at 75%, Syrah and Mourvedre at least 20% and Cinsault. and Carignan have a maximum of 30%.
The alcohol content should be at least 12% and the yield should not exceed 45 hL/ha. The vines are planted at a rate of 4,000 per hectare, with a maximum row spacing of 2.50 m, pruned short to no more than 10 new shoots per vine, and young vines less than 5 years old cannot be used.
Producers handled
Domaine Saint Silvestre
Sophie and Vincent Guisard own and grow 8 hectares of grapes on Terrasse du Larzac, north of the village of Aniane, at an altitude of over 320 meters. There are three fields surrounding a small chapel in the forest (built in the 12th century, Roman style).
