Durban

Durban-Corbières is at the heart of the Corbières appellation. The Cooperative was founded in 1913, simultaneously with Tuchan, and along with Villeneuve joined Mont Tauch in 1999.

Durban yesterday

The name Durban is believed to come from the ancient Gaulish duro meaning fort and banno for horn. Indeed, the impressive ruins of the castle of the Ancient County of Durban sit on top of a steep hill above the village.

Durban, like most settlements in the Corbières, traces its origins back to prehistoric times. The village was later colonised by Spanish settlers after the Wisigoths had occupied the area. In fact, two ancient churches are dedicated to Spanish saints (St Just and St Ruphine).

The medieval fortress that dominates the village was first mentioned in the 11th century and remained in the hands of the Lords of Durban and Gléon until the French Revolution. The castle was abandoned in 1787, after the death of the last Lord. By 1873, stones from the ruin were being used to build houses in the village expanding below.

Durban vineyards

The vineyards of Durban planted on “Marnes du Trias” (a type of limestone), reach into the deepest valleys of the Corbières. The small parcels of land cut out of the wild scrubland account for some of the finest wines in the area. The Terroir of Durban is one of the ten Corbières producing areas. Durban is known for its AOC Corbières wines since 1951 when it was awarded the appellation of Corbières Supérieures, the highest mark of recognition before AOC.