The name "vin de pays des côtes-catalanes," used from 2003 to 2009, includes the wines of the Catalan country, the country of the hillsides of Fenouillèdes and the country of the valleys of Agly. Renamed in 2009 "IGP Côtes Catalanes," this wine-growing area covers a large territory made up of vines planted in particular on the steep slopes of Roussillon.
Spread over 118 communes throughout the vineyards of the Pyrénées-Orientales, the IGP Côtes Catalanes produces exclusively still red, white and rosé wines, which can be made from a single grape variety but also by blending.
The terms "primeur," "nouveau" or "rancio" may be added to the IGP name.
"Primeur" or "nouveau" are terms that apply only to red, rosé and white wines vinified in open vats in order to preserve their aromatic richness.
"Rancio" is reserved for the production of wines with very low yields, where the hand-picked grapes are vinified in an oxidative way without topping up for several years.
Because of its geographical position, this PGI Côtes Catalanes produces powerful and fruity red wines, also characterised by spices. The white wines are gourmet with fragrances of brush and pine bark. The rosé wines are fruity and refreshing with a round and ample palate.
Wines bearing the "rancio" label are characterised by their dark amber colour and delicious notes of dried fruit (walnut, almond, etc.).
The grape varieties used in the production of these wines include Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Viognier and Vermentino.
