Cosprons

Cosprons, a terraced vineyard on the Côte Vermeille

Nestled on the heights of Port-Vendres, the neighbourhood of Cosprons offers one of the most striking panoramas of the Côte Vermeille: terraced schist vineyards plunging down to the Mediterranean, under the silent watch of the Madeloc tower. This exceptional terroir, shaped by centuries of heroic viticulture, is the historic heart of the Banyuls and Collioure appellations.

A schist terroir sculpted by sea and wind

The vines of Cosprons grow on brown schist soils — poor and well-drained — that winegrowers must tend by hand or with small machinery adapted to the steep slopes. The tramontane wind and sea breeze naturally control disease and concentrate the aromas in the berries. Grenache noir, blanc and gris, the ruling varieties of these hillsides, produce rare and profound natural sweet wines as well as dry, mineral reds under the Collioure appellation.

Heroic vineyard and wine tourism

Walking the paths of Cosprons is to discover a living agricultural heritage: the feixes (terraces held up by dry-stone walls), the rainwater collection channels and the vignerons' stone huts bear witness to a craft passed down from generation to generation. Several estates welcome visitors for tastings with sea views — a unique experience combining wine, landscape and Catalan culture.