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"CLAMOUX" Terroir
* (*French for Vineyard area)
 Located in the south-east
part of the Minervois region, separated from the central Minervois by a series
of hills whose slopes form the "balcons de l'Aude". These heights serve
as a screen which temper not only the influences of the Mediterranean, but also
those of the Atlantic, which lose their characteristic humidity. It is the end
of an area which begins at the outskirts of Naurouze.
The typical Mediterranean vegetation becomes more sparse. Alep pines and rosemary
disappear, being found only in a few privileged locations. By contrast, holm oaks
occupy most of the dry substrata, along with the white rockrose and juniper. Other
Mediterranean varieties such as the white oak and common juniper make their appearance.
The vegetation changes markedly, announcing that of the Carcasses region.
The climate is one of Mediterranean-Atlantic
transition, with Mediterranean being dominant and temperate winters.
A mosaic of river terraces of the Quaternary, brown soil on a silt-laden, clayey
marl, with recent alluvial deposits (excluded from the A.O.C. zone).
In general it has a North-South orientation, but with varied exposures due to
the hilly nature of the slopes.
On the terraces, a very rocky soil, with rolled quartz and schist, decarbonated,
and with a good reserve of water.
On the slopes, a chalky soil, silt-laden and clayey, slightly brown, constantly
renewed by erosion.
Altitude
from 250 to 450 meters.
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