Anne de Joyeuse, Limoux, France

CAVE ANNE DE JOYEUSE: PROTECT THE PLANET

The Cave Anne de Joyeuse has its wine cellars in Limoux , a commune in the Languedoc . Anne de Joyeuse was one of the first wineries in the region to switch to quality grapes in the seventies. Since the end of the last century, the Protect Planet program has been strictly followed, using as few pesticides as possible, with the aim of protecting the biodiversity of the environment . Anne Joyeuse has been working according to the Protect Planet program for fifteen years . The use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides in the vineyard is kept to an absolute minimum . The winemakers do this out of conviction, but have also noticed that the vines have become healthier as a result. Very Limoux also holds the Protect the Planet certificate. The terroir has since regained its strength and this is also evident from the wines, which are a true expression of their character.

LIMOUX; PEARL IN LANGUEDOC

The Cave Anne de Joyeuse was built in 1929 in the Haute Vallée de l'Aude in the Limoux district, which is located in the French Languedoc. The Languedoc-Roussillon region has undergone considerable change in recent years. The time when only alcoholic bulk wine came from this area is definitely behind us. Many young winemakers have chosen to change course definitively and have fully focused on making quality wine . However, this increase in quality does not prevent many vineyards, planted with very old vines, from disappearing from view. This has to do with the generous grubbing premiums issued by the French government, which have caused many winegrowers to throw in the towel. This controversial development of wine growing in the Languedoc-Roussillon region reflects the current situation. Nevertheless, the increase in quality and diversity of wines is still increasing and extremely promising .

Although Limoux is now best known for its sparkling wines , Anne de Joyeuse has traditionally focused on still red and - later - white wines. At the end of the last century, the Cave, like many other wineries in the Languedoc, started pruning the Carignan grape and switched to better grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The vineyards of the 'Very' wines are spread over three different geoclimates around Limoux. To the northeast we find the Mediterranean climate (warm and dry) with altitudes of 100 meters to 200 meters above sea level and soil of light clay and loam. To the west the area with the influence of the Ocean, slightly higher with an average of 200 to 300 meters, a milder climate and clay and lime in the terraces. The area south of Limoux, at an altitude of 300 to 600 meters, has a fresh climate which means that the harvest is later. Red clay soil over a base of limestone.

'VERY' INNOVATIVE WINES

Innovation and environmental awareness go hand in hand at the Anne de Joyeuse wine cooperative in Limoux. The energy is generated by solar panels and the ripeness of the grapes is monitored by satellite. The water for the preparation of the wine comes from their own source and they are fertilized with their own compost. The vineyards are almost a nature reserve , where 80 types of orchids grow. Most of the wine produced goes to larger bottlers, but Anne de Joyeuse makes their own wines from approximately 10% of the production. And these are true gems. They keep a close eye on the distribution of these wines, so that they only end up in the best specialty shops and restaurants.

OUR WINES FROM ANNE DE JOYEUSE

Our 'Very Limoux' line from Anne de Joyeuse is qualitatively very good . The wines are beautifully full of character, soft and price/quality very good.