The La Clape hill range has a dry, harsh climate. Sunshine and wind form a generous couple with the exposed rocks either bathed in their warmth or buffeted by their force. La Clape is one of France’s sunniest spots, with up to 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. This is no accident – in the sky above, thirteen different winds cross paths. The Tramontane, Cers, Ponant, Spanish wind, Lebech and Gregaou, to name a few, take it in turns to drive away the clouds that may otherwise form a shroud over the beautiful peninsula. Occasionally, a southern storm rises and outsmarts La Clape’s windy allies. And when it does, the spectacle is as magnificent as it is rare.
Here, the soil series alternate: the land is home to a mantle of flat stones with sharp edges; red earth with oxidised iron; grey or yellow marl; and red or green sandstone for instance. La Clape offers a merry-go-round of soil types uniquely suited to the needs of each grape variety. The stones toughen up the vines and allow them to fully express their potential.
WHITE WINES :
Main grape varieties :
Complementary varieties :
Secondary variety : Viognier (<10%)
*Bourboulenc must account for at least 40 % of the acreage declared for the appellation. And together, Grenache blanc / Bourboulenc must represent at least 60 %. A blend of at least two of the main grape varieties is mandatory.
RED WINES :
Main grape varieties :
Complementary varieties :
* Grenache must account for at least 20 % of the acreage declared for the appellation, and all of the main grape varieties must represent at least 70 % of the acreage declared for the appellation. A blend of at least two of the main grape varieties is mandatory.
White La Clape : Compelling, maritime whites. Their defining feature is that they are made from Bourboulenc, also known as Malvoisie. This grape variety imparts the wine its beautiful yellow-gold hue and lovely refined, elegant floral aromas, with the occasional fresh anise note. Harmonious on the palate, the wines are fresh yet rounded.
Red La Clape : The red wines are in the majority and deliver perfumes of the garrigue. They are made primarily from Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah and are ample and well-balanced. On the nose, they are distinctively rich and complex with lovely aromas of spice and garrigue.
