Marcillac AOC

Marcillac AOC is a French wine Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) located in the Marcillac Valley in the Aveyron department of France. This region is part of the larger South West France wine region and is known for its distinctive red wines.

History

The history of winemaking in the Marcillac Valley dates back to the Roman times. The region was granted AOC status in 1990, recognizing its unique terroir and the quality of its wines.

Geography and Climate

The Marcillac Valley is located in the western part of the Aveyron department, near the town of Rodez. The region has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The vineyards are planted on the steep slopes of the valley, benefiting from good sun exposure and drainage.

Grape Varieties

The main grape variety grown in the Marcillac AOC is the Fer Servadou, locally known as Mansois. This grape is known for its deep color and strong tannins, producing wines with a distinctive character. Other permitted varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, although these are less common.

Wine Styles

The wines of Marcillac AOC are predominantly red, made primarily from the Fer Servadou grape. These wines are known for their deep ruby color, strong tannins, and complex aromas of red fruits and spices. A small amount of rosé wine is also produced in the region.

Viticulture and Winemaking

The vineyards of Marcillac AOC are planted on the steep slopes of the valley, with a south-east exposure. The soils are mainly composed of red clay and limestone. The vines are trained using the traditional gobelet method, and the grapes are hand-harvested. The wines are typically aged in oak barrels for a period of 12 to 18 months.

See Also

• List of Appellation d'origine contrôlée wines
• French wine regions
• South West France (wine region)