Languedoc Roussillon wines have enjoyed significant success in recent years. With a unique taste, silky texture and purple, golden or pinkish colors, the Languedoc wine region has reached an impressive stylistic maturity.
Its terroirs are varied, its quality grape varieties and its perfect climatic condition for viticulture. The wines of Languedoc Roussillon have succeeded in freeing themselves from the influence of the wines of Burgundy, Rhône and Bordeaux. They are now present in the biggest tables all over the world. Focus on its Languedoc Roussillon wines
The wines of Languedoc Roussillon: The result of a promising wine region
It's no longer a secret that Languedoc wines have risen through the ranks and offer a unique taste. With a huge territory of 300,000 hectares, Languedoc Roussillon is responsible for around a third of the wine production in France.
Long the Mediterranean coast, this wine region benefits from a mild climate and a great diversity of terroirs and grape varieties. The vineyard of this region extends over 4 departments: Aude, Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales.
The great wines of Languedoc
As you will have noticed, Languedoc Roussillon offers a rich variety of wines. This wine region produces white wines, red wines, rosé wines, natural sweet wines and sparkling wines.
Natural sweet wines
95% of French natural sweet wines come from the South of France. This wine region has an arid soil and a hot and dry climate. This promotes rooting and good vinification.
These wines are mutated and vinified according to an ancestral method. Their grape varieties are harvested when ripe. The wine comes out both alcoholic and sweet in a completely natural way. There are generally two types:
Natural sweet wines made from Muscat
- Muscat de Frontignan AOCs.
- The Muscats of Lunel.
- The Muscats of Mireval.
- The Muscats of Saint-Jean-de-Minervois.
Natural sweet wines made from Grenache (red and white).
Red wines and white wines of Languedoc Roussillon
Almost always present during aperitifs, the red and white wines of Languedoc Roussillon are known for their rich and varied grape varieties.
- Red grape varieties: Languedoc winegrowers use Syrah, Grenache Noir, Carignan, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Franc, Marselan , caladoc, pinot noir and more.
- White grape varieties: these make up only 23% of Languedoc vineyards. This wine region is used in particular for the production of white wines of the Chardonnay type.
Languedoc wines - AOC
Over the past 30 years, the Languedoc vineyard has been completely transformed. To mark the wine identity of the region, the winegrowers have decided to give their wines an appellation that can cover the entire vineyard. This is how the name of AOC Languedoc appeared in 2007.
The objective is to promote the quality of the wines and increase the visibility of Languedoc winegrowers in the eyes of consumers. This goal seems to have been achieved. Indeed, the Languedoc Roussillon vineyard is now considered one of the largest vineyards in the world. Its exquisite flavor is known all over the world.
Cabardès AOC wines
Overlooking the city of Carcassome, the slopes of Cabardès are filled with limestone pebbles, helping to maintain the freshness of the soil. Cabardès benefits from the combination of two climatic effects: the mildness of the Atlantic and the heat of the Mediterranean. Their red and rosé wines therefore stand out for the particular blend of their grape varieties. The winemakers marry Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec with Syrah and Grenache.
Corbières AOC wines
Located in the Aude department, Corbières is known for its magnificent terroirs. Its climate is warm, the region sunny and the soil dry. In addition, its heat is softened by the northwest breeze which is present in the Corbières throughout the year. This region mainly offers red wines. But we also note the emergence of a few vineyards for rosés and whites.
AOC Faugères wines
North of Béziers, Faugères is the only Languedoc AOC to have a terroir with homogeneous soil. The vineyard is not very fertile. It is best known for its ability to drain water. This allows the vines to resist the summer heat. The red wines of Faugères are appreciated by consumers for their particular elegance.
AOC Fitou wines
Located between the Mediterranean and the Corbières massif, Fitou is the oldest vineyard in Languedoc Roussillon. The diversity of its terroirs is the guarantee of the quality of its wines. AOC Fitou is especially prized for its structured and deep red wines.
AOC Malepère wines
This vineyard is located in the westernmost part of Languedoc Roussillon. Malepère produces red wines containing at least 50% Merlot. Its geographical location allows a mix between oceanic sensitivity and Mediterranean warmth. This climate with original characteristics is favorable for planting vines.
Limoux AOC wines
This great terroir of bubbles offers crémant wines. The blanquette is made with 100% ancestral methods. In this Languedoc vineyard, the white wines of Chardonnay, Mauzac or Chenin are the most remarkable. However, red wines are also beginning to develop.
Picpoul de Pinet wines
With a tonic style, and a little sparkling, this white wine is specially dedicated to Bouzigues oysters. Located to the south, the terroir is homogeneous and opens directly onto the sea. Its soil is covered with red marl, sand, gravel and has a good water regime.
· Wines of Pic-Saint-Loup
Recognized from 2016, the denomination of Pic-Saint-Loup is known for its red wines. These are structured and elaborated with finesse. The winegrowers combine Syrah and Grenache grape varieties.
Wines of Saint-Chinian
This Languedoc Roussillon vineyard produces a wide range of wines. The shale areas of the North produce very sweet red wines. While the winegrowers of the southern part benefit from a clay-limestone, dense and structured terroir.
Wines AOC Clairette du Languedoc
The Clairette AOC is acclaimed for the quality of its 100% white wines and its 100% Clairette grape variety. With manual harvesting and excellent fermentation, this vineyard produces still and tasty wines.
