|
|
|
Chateau Rives-Blanques is a 22 ha family-run estate near Limoux, surrounded by woodland in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Seriously committed to environmentally sustainable wine growing, we make our wines and manage our lands with ecological integrity, full of respect for nature and for this unique terroir that is our home.
Wild flowers, clover or cereals grow between the vines; vine cuttings and composted grape pips and skins are ploughed back into the soil, and we never use hard chemicals or fertilizers. Aided and abetted by the use of harmless pheromones to replace insecticide sprays, we rely on a happy combination of altitude and prevailing brisk, dry winds to keep unwanted pests at bay, in the most natural way possible. Enthusiastic particpants of the European environmental programme BioDiVine, we continue researching the relationship between viticulture and biodiversity, and have been close working partners 0f the Chamber of Agriculture for decades.
The Languedoc is the world’s biggest, most exciting wine region – an immense ampitheatre extending from the Pyrenees to the Rhone, and from the foothills of the Massif Central to the Mediterranean. It is the home of more organically/sustainably farmed vineyards than any other region in the country. Most of its wines are rich, full-bodied reds, but the small, most south-western appellation called Limoux is the exception: like a diamond in a setting of rubies it is known for its fine white and sparkling wines.
As early as 1688, Monseigneur the Steward of the Languedoc sought to preserve the name of the region by issuing a decree forbidding “all people of all walks from bringing in to Limoux any kind of foreign wine or grapes, under pain of a 100 pound fine.”
Hugging the river Aude and its tributaries, this exceptional wine region is protected by the Pyrenees to the south, the Chalabre and Razès mountains to the west, and the Corbières range to the east. |
|
= Rosé |
 = White Wine |
 = Blanquette, Sparkling Wine |
|
|
|
|
“Terroir” is an untranslated, untranslatable word which most closely defines our philosophy of wine-making. It explains why our wines taste the way they taste, why they are so unmistakably “Rives-Blanques”. It defines our destination and our voyage alike – and it is what we try to put the most of in our wines.
Rives-Blanques lies surrounded by woodland in a Natura 2000 reserve protected by Europe for its unique combination of Mediterranean and Atlantic flora and fauna. It is exactly these same influences that lend both fruit and finesse to our wines: the Mediterranean for the passion, and the Atlantic for the cool elegance.
The vineyard is on a plateau 350 high in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The same quartz that lies on the top of the peak Rives Blanques, after which the vineyard is named, also lies scattered amongst the vines.
Our ground soils of glacial moraine, pebbles, clay and sand coupled with cool nights and a slow maturation process enhance the natural sweetness of mauzac, the complexity of chardonnay and the freshness of chenin blanc. Because of our unique terroir, the great white grape varieties of all the great white wine regions of France can find their voice here and sing together: chardonnay (from Burgundy), chenin blanc (from the Loire), and the Languedoc’s own mauzac all thriving under the same southern sun, on our high-altitude plateau...
Language(s):
 |
 |
Opening Château Rives-Blanques - Cépie:
- We are delighted to share our wines and this beautiful place with you.
- Our light and luminous tasting room with-a-view and shop is nearly always open, and you are most welcome.
- We have no fixed opening hours, so please do be sure to contact us beforehand.
- Our regular Tuesday Tour, Talk & Tutored Tasting is a popular feature.
- Please phone to make a reservation, as we like to keep the groups small.
Equipments and Services:
|
|
|
|
* Parking
* Shop
* Group guided tours |
* Product tasting
* Individual guided tours |
Limoux
Carnaval in Limoux, "Los Fecos"
Abbaye de Saint Hilaire
| |
Limoux is best known for its sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux. This is reputed to be the oldest sparkling wine in France and dates back to 1531 when Benedictine monks from Saint Hilaire Abbey discovered that the wine they had laid down had fermented and formed bubbles. This was the beginning of Limoux’s bubbly - the Blanquette de Limoux which was the first AOC to be created in the Languedoc area. The process (the locals say) was stolen by Dom Perignon who went on to create ‘champagne‘. however the Limoux sparkling wine is a very high quality champagne substitute and Crémant, which was developed in 1990, has a top class reputation. Now a prestigious event attracting buyers from all over the world, “Toques & Clochers” puts up for auction the most promising barrels of AOC Limoux. A share of the proceeds are then used to finance the renovation of bell towers in surrounding villages. Every year the auction is hosted by one of France’s great chefs popularly referred to as a “Toques”, the traditional white chef’s hat....
|
| |
|
| |
History tells us that Blanquette de Limoux, the world's first sparkling wine,
dates as far back as 1531. At the time, the monks of the Benedictine abbey of
Saint-Hilaire, near Limoux, were producing a somewhat unusual white wine in
their cellars. Inside its glass flask, with a cork top - very rare for wines at
this time - it acquired a natural sparkle. This was the forefather of the brut
which is tasted today at the world's most prestigious tables. Since they first
started cultivating vines, the growers of Limoux have aimed at maintaining the
originality of the Blanquette de Limoux growth and developing its quality. The
region's surrounding hills protect it from the extremes of the Mediterranean and
Atlantic climates, with the area enjoying a microclimate particularly suitable
for making quality white wine. The vines classified in the appellation are
always planted at the top of southern-facing slopes, giving the best exposure.
The soil here is shallow and sparse, full of chalk and stone....
|
| |
|
Alcohol Abuse is
dangerous for your health.
Drink Moderately! |
|
|
|
Château Rives-Blanques |
|
|
Cellars and Domains
|
|
|
Château Rives-Blanques
Plaine
de
Roquefort
11300 Cépie
Phone +33 4.68.31.43.20
Mobile
- |
|
|
 -
rives-blanques@wanadoo.fr
 -
www.rives-blanques.com |
|
|
White Wine: 5.00 € to 25.00 €
Rosé: 10.55 €
Blanquette et Crémant Méthode: Traditionnelle 12.00 € to 27.00 €
|
|
|
Service:
    |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
Enlarge |
|
|
|
|
Situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees and surrounded by its vineyards, Domaine Gayda is a new destination in the Languedoc, 25km south west of Carcassonne, in the village of Brugairolles. Nestled in the vines, our new “Paillotes” offer a unique barbecue dining experience whilst the restaurant, incorporated in the winery building, also makes for an exceptional environment in which to discover our food and wines. Enjoy the spectacular views and the modern French cuisine prepared with the passion and creativity of our chef Pascal Ledroit, an inspiring new face of food and wine for the region....
|
|
Grand Hôtel
Moderne et Pigeon |
 |
|
|
Located in Limoux, the Hotel & Restaurant Moderne et Pigeon greets you at the heart of the Cathares castles. 11 guest rooms with all mod cons, a traditional restaurant for the whole family where adults and children can both enjoy. A variety of sets menus are available for you to choose from: tasting menu; gourmet menu or sweet-tooth menu. The Hotel Moderne et Pigeon is a former covent dating from 1501. First it was a covent, then it became a boutique hotel and a bank at the beginning of the 20th century. The hotel is decorated with centuries old stained glasses and frescoes. You will enjoy the charm of a fine dining restaurant and a luxury hotel. We look forward to greeting you soon...
|
|
|
|
The atmosphere in La Barbacane is one of charm and elegance –from its beautiful wood panelled interior and stained glass windows to the enchanting view. La Barbacane offers a wide range of tempting dishes, created with imagination, flair and artistry. Executive Chef, Jérôme Ryon and Pastry Chef, Régis Chanel, put forth a sophisticated and skilful re-thinking of traditional French cuisine while using ingredients of the highest quality. La Barbacane received its first Michelin star in 2002, and maintains the same level of excellence today. It remains the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the medieval citadel....
|
|
|
|
If you bring a visit to the Cite of Carcassonne you must visit this restaurant. Chef Pierre Mesa is well know in the region because of his famous Cassoulet, but of course all the rest is also very good. Good food, enough wines on the list and the Blanquette de Limoux. Comte Roger is an intimate restaurant with an exceptional menu and is a must for dining well. Located in the core of he medieval center, this is one of the only establishments that has not been touched by tourism. Enjoy fresh, regional fare and excellent wines....
|
|
 |
|
|
Opened in March 2013, the 4-star Le Parc hotel and its several elegantly and soberly designed bedrooms offer visitors to Carcassonne a journey to savour. Take time out of the daily routine to relish in a unique and emotionally rich experience provided by the restaurant’s delicious, inventive cuisine in a delightful calm setting.
In the hotel, located in its 600m² grounds at the foot of the ramparts, wood and slate combine in warmth to provide perfect harmony. The establishment offers great comfort and rich emotions, the perfect setting for guests to savour the experience of dining at La Table de Franck Putelat. The 4 suites and 3 luxury bedrooms give a feeling of fluidity, enhanced by the open bathrooms and the large bay windows that blur the boundaries between the interior, with its contemporary design, and the exterior, with its flourishing vegetation. After a day visiting Carcassonne, guests can relax in a chaise longue on the outdoor wooden terraces or balconies, or relish in the bubble-jet comforts of a jacuzzi...
|
|
|
|
Under the leafy branches of a three hundred year old park, within a shrine of greenery and a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean, the Black Mountain and the Corbières, Le Domaine d'Auriac welcomes its guests in calm and comfort. You will enjoy Gourmet eating in Le Restaurant Bernard Rigaudis and le Bistrot d'Auriac. The 18 hole-golf course, the swimming pool, the tennis court and walks, which give an enchanted atmosphere to a relaxed stay beside the city of Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi, which are both classified as World Heritage Sites by Unesco. The dining room with cloth in rare and precious fabric continues on terraces into the gardens, facing the golf course. In winter, the flames of the great fireplace accompany the dinners of the guests....
|
|
|
