In 2025, the AOC Corbières celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of excellence and winemaking expertise. Officially recognized in 1985, this appellation is now the largest in the Languedoc, covering nearly 10,000 hectares and bringing together approximately 1,350 winegrowers and 200 private cellars.
This territorial richness has led to the emergence of a diverse range of wines, especially reds, which make up nearly 90% of the production.
A pioneer in organic viticulture, the Corbières terroir is home to estates committed for decades to environmentally friendly practices. Among them, Château Pech-Latt, a producer of organic AOC Corbières reds, has established itself as a reference with its fresh and elegant cuvées.
Let’s take a look back at the history, evolution, and celebrations planned for this iconic anniversary.
40 years of the AOC Corbières: an exceptional terroir
The AOC Corbières was officially recognized in 1985, following extensive work to highlight its terroir. Located in the Aude department, it stretches from the foothills of the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean coastline, offering a remarkable diversity of landscapes and soils: schist, limestone, sandstone, marl, and alluvial terraces.
The Mediterranean climate, characterized by abundant sunshine and cleansing winds, is ideal for growing the emblematic grape varieties of Corbières wines: Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. These unique characteristics allow winemakers to produce powerful and expressive wines while maintaining a fresh aromatic profile.
Over the past 40 years, the appellation has continuously evolved to guarantee increasingly high quality. Today, it accounts for around 35% of the total wine production of the Languedoc, confirming its importance on the French wine scene.
A pioneer territory in organic viticulture
The AOC Corbières is distinguished not only by its history and terroir diversity but also by its early commitment to organic viticulture. As early as the 1990s, several estates began converting to more environmentally friendly practices, making Corbières one of the strongholds of organic wine production in France.
Among these pioneers, Château Pech-Latt stands out for adopting organic farming as early as 1991, long before this practice became a widespread trend. Nestled in the heart of Corbières, this estate produces organic AOC Corbières reds that combine power, elegance, and freshness, perfectly aligned with the identity of the terroir.
Today, nearly 30% of the vineyard area in the appellation is cultivated organically or in conversion, confirming the commitment of the winegrowers to more sustainable production. This movement is further strengthened by the rise of parcel-based winemaking practices and techniques aimed at minimizing human intervention to best preserve the terroir's expression.
Corbières wines today: diversity and recognition
Thanks to this momentum, Corbières wines are now recognized far beyond the Languedoc region. The appellation produces deep and complex red wines, fresh and delicious rosés, as well as elegant and aromatic whites, although reds remain dominant, accounting for more than 90% of the production.
Within this production, Château Pech-Latt perfectly illustrates the ability of winegrowers to elevate their terroir. Its organic AOC Corbières reds are renowned for their freshness and finesse, contrasting with the sometimes rustic image of older Corbières wines. Thanks to careful winemaking and meticulous vineyard work, these cuvées are winning over an increasingly broad audience, both in France and internationally.
This progression in quality and growing recognition allows the AOC Corbières to establish itself as a must-have appellation of the Languedoc, with great aging potential and a distinctive identity.
2025: a year of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the AOC Corbières
The year 2025 will mark a turning point for the appellation, with numerous festivities organized around this historic anniversary. On this occasion, winegrowers will offer unique events, including:
• Tastings and domain visits to discover the diversity of Corbières wines.
• Fairs and meet-and-greets with producers, showcasing the winemaking expertise of the appellation.
• Conferences and workshops on the history of the AOC Corbières and the evolution of organic viticulture in the region.
As a landmark estate in organic viticulture in Corbières, Château Pech-Latt is undertaking significant beautification projects to soon offer exclusive tastings and meetings with wine enthusiasts in a remarkable and inspiring setting. This will be a unique opportunity to rediscover its organic AOC Corbières reds and explore the impact of the terroir on their aromas and structure.
The 40th anniversary of the AOC Corbières is much more than just a milestone: it symbolizes the rise of an appellation that has successfully combined tradition, innovation, and environmental respect.
Thanks to passionate and committed winegrowers, the appellation continues to shine both in France and abroad.
With benchmark estates like Château Pech-Latt, a pioneer in organic viticulture, the organic AOC Corbières reds now offer a remarkable range of expressions, blending character, elegance, and freshness.
In 2025, wine lovers and connoisseurs will have the opportunity to celebrate this anniversary by participating in numerous events organized in the region. A wonderful way to raise a glass to 40 years of excellence for Corbières wines! !
