Appellation area
At the heart of the Minervois in the natural area called the Petit Causse, at the piedmont of the Montagne Noire, this area includes six communities: Azillanet, Azille, Cesseras, Félines Minervois, La Livinière and Siran.

Geology
The Minervois La Livinière area could be considered as a miniature replica of the Minervois area because of its soils and landscapes where all extreme elements are attenuated. In the area of the limestone plateau, the ground alternates between compact limestone and limestone marls. The hills are mainly clay marls and clay.

Climate
Due to its position between the Serre d’Oupia and the hills of Laure-Minervois, this is a dry area with rain fall of between 400 and 500 mm per year and significant water shortages in summer.  The hot days in this area are relieved by the cool night time breezes coming down from the mountain crests.

Grapes
Planting consists of a minimum of 60% Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache (thus 40% minimum Syrah or Mourvèdre), possibly complemented using Carignan, Cinsault, Terret, Piquepoul and Aspiran.

Vinification
Should be raised until the first November of the next year.
Gradual maturing in oak barrels between 13 and 18 months.

• Key figures
  2 600 ha of vines
  200 producers
  3 cooperative wine producers
  34 private wine producers

• Average yield
  45 hl/hectare

• Average production
  7 000 hl

• Sales
  6 200 hl
  (Storehouse outputs 2005/06)
  Export, cellar masters and CHR