The wine-growing region When they reach the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees come to a sudden halt. The vineyard stretches over 410 uneven, rough hectares both inland and up to the ragged coastline. It lies in the communes of Collioure, Banyuls, Port-Vendres and Cerbère. Facing the sea, the vineyards are spread over a vast amphitheatre made up of hills with gradients up to 40 %. The topsoil is mostly sandy clay. Soil only covers the first 20 to 50 cm, after which there is the underlying rock. To survive, the vines must thrust their roots deep down so as to withstand the harsh summer droughts.
The Collioure vineyard is characterized by little soil and lots of rock...

Vine varieties A combination of Grenache noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre represents over 60 % of the vines. It is complemented by Carignan noir and Cinsault for red wine or Grenache gris for rosé wine.

A brief history... Over the centuries, generations of wine growers have made almost 6,000 km of small dry stone walls to retain the terraces used to grow vines.

Terraces overlooking the village

		A wine waiter's tips... Red Collioure wine can be drunk young: these wines have a good colour, are full-bodied and tannic. If kept bottled for 3 to 5 years, very different aromas develop: leather, woodland, spices... Ideal with delicatessen, white or red meats, game, offal and cheese made from cow's milk. Rosé Collioure wine, served chilled, accompanies fish soup, mixed salads, seafood and fish in spicy sauces.

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