his is the wine appellation found at the most western point of the Languedoc region. It is firmly established on the plains & hills that are bordered by a massif that forms a trapezium - LA MALEPERE.

In Occitan (the local language), we say "Male peyre" - a poor quality stone when used for building purposes. It is extracted from the local mountains & is of sandstone composition. It quickly suffers from erosion & structural changes. The old houses, entrances, churches & sculptures where this stone has been incorporated, from Montréal to Carcassonne, have been worn smooth over the years.

There are 31 communes in the West of the Aude département, including Carcassonne, that are grouped around the Malepère mountains & they share the Malepère appellation.

A mixture of different grape varieties are planted - from the South West (Merlot/Cabernet) together with those from the Mediterranean (Grenache Noir/Cinsaut), & these give the appellation its distinct character.

The great wines of the Côtes de Malepère are produced in the shelter of the mountains, & they combine the strength, smoothness & depth of flavour of red fruits, spices, plus hints of soft vanilla.