The ancient fossil site of La Lieude de Mérifons

The first episode of our podcast series dedicated to the geology of the AOP Terrasses du Larzac stops by at the ancient fossil site of La Lieude de Mérifons. This internationally renowned site allows you to discover several geological eras that neatly summarise the history of the geological upheaval that created the subsoils and soils of the terroir(s) here in the AOP Terrasses du Larzac.

It is located near the famous Lac du Salagou (an artificial lake now classed as a national heritage site). The explanations from Shona, our geologist partner from the Terres

d'Hérault Geopark (Department de l'Hérault), transport you through the geology and palaeontology of the different ages.

A direct invitation to come and observe in-situ the furrowed marks of these fossilised rivers, whose antiquity never ceases to amaze.

This is the territory of the famous "ruffes" (from the Occitan ruffus = red), the spectacular red-ochre landscapes formed from argillaceous or pelitic rock (mudstoneand siltstone).

So how does this magnificent landscape become an integral part of the wines produced in the AOP Terrasses du Larzac?

Sébastien Rouve is quick to explain, adding that "both winegrowers and wine consumers can't get enough of it! ".

Credits in order of appearance

Thomas Michel, Environmental Education Officer, association Demain la Terre!

Shona Gravat-Hodan, Project Officer for the Geopark Terres d'Hérault project (Département de l'Hérault, a sub-regional public body)

Jean-Claude Bousquet, Geologist. He is the author of “Terroirs viticoles. Paysages et géologie en Languedoc.” (Wine terroirs. Landscapes and geology in the Languedoc.)

Sébastien Rouve, winegrower, Domaine Mon Rêve in Cartel du Bosc 

This podcast was directed by Alexandre Héraud, with support from his team at Écran Sonore, in particular Vincent Decque, editor.

The podcast was produced for the series Wine Routes, and can be found on our web application "Itinérances en Terrasses du Larzac" : https://visit.terrasses-du-larzac.com/ This web app was developed in partnership with Vinoways, a Montpellier-based start-up. It was financed with the support of Occitanie Region, and European LEADER programme funds administered by Pays Cœur d'Hérault (destination Vineyards and Discoveries "Languedoc Heart of Hérault"). 

Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.