Collioure AOC

It wasn't until 1971 that the region gained its own identity with an AOC established for the production of non-fortified red wines.

[6] The Collioure wine region is located along the Mediterranean coast in the Roussillon district, extending from the coast up to the foothills of the Pyrenees which separates the area from the Spanish wine region of Catalonia across the border.

In the evening, cool winds from the mountains descend over the vineyards and this can help moderate temperatures for the vines.

In a typical vintage about one-third of the grapes harvested in the region will be used for Collioure AOC labeled wines.

In fact, the yields from this area are often among the lowest in France - often lower than the AOC maximum of 2.3 tones per acre (40 hectoliters per hectare).

[2][3] The primary grapes of the Collioure AOC are Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre with Carignan and Cinsaut playing minor roles.

The red wines of the region are characterized by their rich, full bodied flavors with spice aroma notes.

Prior to the 2002 AOC change, white wines produced from grapes grown in the Collioure region had to be sold as a vin de Pays.

Modern winemaking techniques have also introduced temperature-controlled fermentation and increased the usage of oak barrels for the aging of wine.

The most well made reds of Collioure are described as having polished (or "soft") tannins, a full bodied and deep dark color with spicy aroma and flavor notes.