Known as ‘blanquette’ for the fine white coating which forms on its leaves, the Mauzac grape of the Blanquette appellation is the traditional variety of the Limoux, With a characteristic appley flavour it achieves naturally high acidity - essential for high quality sparkling wine. The méthode traditionnelle is said to have been discovered in Limoux and this is exceptionally good sparkling wine from the (arguably) original home of this style of fizz.
 
Production
The Limoux is extremely windy: the Vent Cers from the Atlantic and the warm Vent Narin from the Mediterranean blow through the vineyards, assisting the ‘reasoned agriculture’ viniculture management. The soil in the area is rocky with clay, sandstone and limestone, creating a distinct terroir. Under AOC Limoux regulations vines are hand harvested. This is produced using the méthode traditionnelle; pneumatic pressing for clear juices, an initial fermentation in stainless steel vats to control the temperature with a second fermentation in bottle. The wine then rests on lees for a minimum of nine months.