Welcome
Collioure
Collioure is a seaside appellation in southwest France on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Until the mid-1600s, it was under Spanish rule as part of Catalonia. The Spanish influence extends to winemaking in the region, resulting in bold, spicy, full-bodied wines that resemble the typical profile of Spanish wines.
Both the Collioure and Banyuls AOCs share the same territory and boundaries. The Banyuls AOC was established in 1936. Any grapes not used to produce Vin Doux Naturels wines under the Banyuls AOC were spared for still red, white, and rosé wines which are now known as Collioure AOC wines. Collioure was granted its appellation status in 1971.
Wine Production
Still red, white, and rosé wines are produced in the Collioure AOC. More than half of the vineyards are located on fairly steep, mountainous slopes. The slopes are natural irrigation systems for excessive rainfall, particularly during the winter and spring. However, heavy winds and poor soil make grape production quite a challenge in this region.
Given the growing conditions, vine training is incredibly important. Goblet vines are planted across vineyards in Collioure. Goblet vines look a lot like trees. They have a trunk as well as a “head” of grape leaves and grapes. It’s a strategic choice because the trunks stay firmly rooted, which is necessary in this region due to heavy winds. Grapes are harvested from the top of the “head” of the plant.
As a result of this planting style and steep slopes, yields are incredibly low. In fact, they are some of the lowest in all of France. Supplies of Collioure AOC wines are limited which makes each bottle that much more special to enjoy.
Grape Varieties and Blends
Collioure AOC wines are still red, white, and rosé wines. Blending is common in this appellation, and in fact, it is required for red and rosé wines.
Collioure red wines are made principally of Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Carignan grapes. Accessory varieties include Counoise and Cinsault.
White wines from Collioure are primarily made of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Macabeu, Marsanne, Roussanne, Tourbat (Malvoisie du Roussillon), and Vermentino grapes. Carignan Blanc, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, and Muscat of Alexandria are sometimes added for blending in limited percentages. Collioure rosé wines are made up of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan, and Grenache Gris grapes. They can be blended with smaller quantities of Cinsault and Counoise.
Buy Collioure AOC Wines from Hourlier Wines
We at Pierre Hourlier Wines are proud to showcase the wines of Domaine Pierre Gaillard. The family own four vineyards across Roussillon, Rhone, and southern France. Their Collioure wine is truly unique and spectacular. Please see our selection below.
This lovely Grenache Noir dominant blend with Mourvèdre and Carignan is delicate and elegant with red cherry aromas. Its 18 months of oak aging bring forward lovely notes of vanilla, caramel, and baking spices. Enjoy this wine with foie gras and saucy, braised beef dishes.
FAQ
Where does Collioure wine originate?
Collioure is a commune in the Roussillon wine region in southwest France within the department of Pyrénées-Orientales, part of the larger Occitanie region. Collioure is a coastal appellation by the Mediterranean Sea close to the border of Spain.
What does Collioure wine taste like?
Collioure wines express typical warm climate characteristics with their fruity aromas and fuller bodies. Oak aging brings out notes of baking spices and nutty characteristics.
Collioure red wines tend to have red-fruit driven aromas of red cherry and jammy strawberry as well as non-fruit characteristics of anise, vanilla, caramel, and baking spices.
Collioure rosé wines express ripe red fruit aromas of strawberry and raspberry on the nose as well as citrus fruits, including grapefruit and lemon. They can be lightly nutty, floral, and earthy as well. Collioure white wines tend to have aromas of ripe apple and peach, toast, and delicate minerality.
Which food groups pair well with Collioure wine?
Collioure red wines have notes of red cherry, anise, and baking spices. They are a perfect pairing for braised and stewed beef, chicken, and game dishes, as well as foie gras.
The rosé wines of Collioure express notes of strawberry and grapefruit, with a nutty and earthy quality. They are excellent pairings for comforting seafood dishes like paella, grilled fish, and pasta.
The notes of apple, peach, and toast in Collioure white wines as well as their delicate minerality make them a fantastic pairing with hearty coastal dishes like seafood paella, seafood pasta, and grilled fish.
