The Languedoc-Roussillon region has a remarkable wine-growing heritage. The activity of wine production dates back to the Romans! Currently, when we talk about the Languedoc-Roussillon region, it refers to 4 departments: Aude (11), Gard (30), Hérault (34) and Pyrénées-Orientales (66).

Despite this, the vineyards of Languedoc Roussillon only really gained recognition after the 1980s. Before this period and the advent of varietal wines, other wines were frequently preferred.

With the democratization of single grape varieties, we are witnessing the growing success of Languedoc vineyards. This is especially true for younger consumers, who are looking for new tastes and wines.

Map of the vineyards

Here is a map of the vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussillon region:

Montpellier and the geography of the region

The Languedoc vineyards are organized around the region's four main towns. Nimes, Montpellier, Carcassonne and Perpignan.

In addition to these 4 agglomerations, there are less than 2,500 estates, spread over the 246,000 hectares of the region. In addition, there are 230 cooperative cellars and nearly 30,000 winegrowers.

The wine route of the Languedoc-Roussillon vineyards obviously cannot pass through all these areas. Even if you limit yourself to AOCs and IGPs, you will have no less than 50 stages!

The easiest option is to follow the wine route along the Mediterranean coast, from north to south. Starting from Montpellier, then passing through Carcassonne to finish in Collioure, you will have seen most of the Languedoc vineyards.

Rich appellations

Languedoc is one of the largest wine-growing regions in the world. Many appellations exist as sub-appellations. Wines such as "Marie Antoinette" a mountain Corbières and "Côtes du Roussillon Villages Caramany" are worthy representatives of the richness of Languedoc Roussillon, as are the other products in the Terroir range.

The Languedoc-Roussillon vineyard has 28 protected/controlled designations of origin (AOP or AOC). Among them, names such as Corbières or Minervois la Livinière. These wines are available here.

Here is the list of AOC – AOP Languedoc. This list is available on Wikipedia.

Here is also the list of Roussillon AOCs. These data are available on Wikipedia.

Red and white wines as well as natural sweet wines

The vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon are known for their natural sweet wines. For good reason, they represent a large part of the wines produced in the territory. According to estimates, the production of the Languedoc region is made up of 15% white wines, which are rather dry, and 85% red wines, and the rest of the production is devoted to natural sweet wines.

Grape varieties

Finally, a last word on the grape varieties of the Languedoc Roussillon vineyards. Different grape varieties are used by the producers. Here they are, separated according to whether it is a white grape variety or a red grape variety.

The white grape varieties used are: Bourboulenc, Clairette, Chardonnay, Chenin, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Maccabeu, Malvoisie, Marsanne, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat d'Alexandrie , Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Mauzac.

The red grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, Pinot Noir and Syrah.