Limoux : land of legend
It is in the abbey of Saint-Hilaire, near Limoux, the first sparkling wine in the world was created in 1544. A monk, he is lucky, goofy or clever – depending on your point of view – would in effect put the wine Blanquette in "flascon" before the end of its fermentation. It has, therefore, continued in the bottle, giving birth, without the monks do not know, bubbles. Thus, Limoux can be proudly considered to be the birthplace of sparkling wine !
Our history over time
For 7 generations, the FAMILY ANTECH develops with a passion for the Great Sparkling Wines on the slopes of Limoux. Zélie, Jules, Eugénie, Marguerite, Edmond Georges, or even Roger are all characters who have, over the decades, helped by their energy to the creation of an exceptional know-how, passed down from generation to generation. Women have always played a central role in this epic family, showing a strength of character that is integral to the style and the DNA " ANTECH ".
OUR VINEYARD
Since 1860, the FAMILY ANTECH cultivates the land in Limoux, a unique terroir where the freshness of the Pyrenees mixes with a mediterranean climate. Located at 400m altitude, their vineyards enjoy ideal conditions : a natural drainage, significant variations in temperature between day and night, and the freshness of the snow-covered slopes of the Pyrenees until may. These factors promote the vitality and the voltage necessary to produce the large sparkling wines. Engaged in a process of organic since 2020, the family prefers an agriculture that respects the environment, supported by the wind ubiquitous on the hillsides. Their efforts are also directed towards the development of the grape Mauzac, perfectly suited to this microclimate, and to the diversification of their cultures, such as the acquisition of an olive grove in 2023.
Since 1860, the FAMILY ANTECH cultivates the land in Limoux, a unique terroir where the freshness of the Pyrenees mixes with a mediterranean climate. Located at 400m altitude, their vineyards enjoy ideal conditions : a natural drainage, significant variations in temperature between day and night, and the freshness of the snow-covered slopes of the Pyrenees until may. These factors promote the vitality and the voltage necessary to produce the large sparkling wines.
Engaged in a process of organic since 2020, the family prefers an agriculture that respects the environment, supported by the wind ubiquitous on the hillsides. Their efforts are also directed towards the development of the grape Mauzac, perfectly suited to this microclimate, and to the diversification of their cultures, such as the acquisition of an olive grove in 2023.
A PHILOSOPHY REFLECHIE
& SUSTAINABLE
Françoise and Baptist combine tradition and innovation in their work every year, by adapting their centenary knowledge inspirations from their travels in wine regions known for their sparkling wines. They prefer a minimalist approach, seeking to let the terroir express itself naturally without excessive intervention. To meet the quality of the grapes and to preserve their freshness, the harvest is carried out exclusively by hand, which ensures that the harvest of craftsmanship and allows you to maintain the authentic characteristics of the wine.
The process of production of wine begins with a slow pressing and delicate, allowing you to extract juice shiny, in which each variety (Mauzac, Chardonnay, Chenin, Pinot Noir, etc.) is vinified separately at a low temperature.
After a winter spent on the lees and a precise assembly, the vintages are elevated for prolonged periods of time to reveal all their complexity. Each cuvée is now vintage, offering each bottle the opportunity to reflect the history of the year, from which it originated. Finally, a minimum dosage, or even the absence of dosing, is applied to enhance the wine and allow it to fully express the terroir.
