Located at the entry gates to Carcassonne in the Aude Region, on the stony piedmont of Black Mountain, Cabardès is a confidential appellation of 450 hectares, known for being the furthest north and coolest in the Languedoc. The unique location gives its wines their sweetness, sensuality and balance. Facing the ocean, and equally influenced by the Mediterranean climate, it serves as the link between East and West. Cabardès alone imposes the balanced blend of Atlantic grape varieties (Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec) with Mediterranean grape varieties (Grenache, Syrah). This duality allows the appellation to successfully affirm it has everything it takes to produce great wines. More than a dozen new winemakers have taken root in this growing region over the past 10 years. In 2019, the appellation will celebrate 20 years, a symbolic age that encourages winegrowers to start a new dynamic collective, hence the labelling of their wines with the creation of the "Les Remarquables" award. The Astair restaurant in Paris won the "blind test" from a very professional panel of journalists, recognised sommeliers and cellars, under the chairmanship of Alain Chameyrat of Bettane and Desseauve on 26 November. www.aop-cabardes.fr
Vintages named as "Les Remarquables" for this second edition are Domaine Galy / 2016 vintage Pech Saint Jean / www.domaine-galy.business.site.
Domaine Les Clos des Natices/2016 vintage Clos des Natices.
The vineyards along the ancient Roman road and Cabardès/2014 vintage Comté d'Aragon www.voie-romaine.com
Château La Mijane/2014 vintage Fluvius www.lamijane.com