This appellation is produced in 32 districts north of the department of the Pyrénées-Orientales. It is bordered to the north by the Aude department, on the east by the lake of Salses, south by la Tet and to the west by l’Agly. An AOC since 1977, it covers 1,600 hectares of multiple terrain: granite and schist to the northwest, red calcareous soils near Corbières, stony terraces close to la Tet.
Formerly used for the production of vins doux naturels (sweet wines), this appellation produces only red and rosé wines from the following grape varieties: Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan Noir and Lladoner Pelut. Single varietal wines are not permitted, with a minimum of two grape varieties being required in the blends. The altitude between 100 and 400m and the distance from the sea limit the impact of the Mediterranean climate.
