Languedoc-Roussillon wines have enjoyed significant success over recent years. With a unique taste, silky texture and purple, golden or pink colors, the Languedoc wine region has reached an impressive stylistic maturity.
Its terroirs are varied, its grape varieties are of high quality and its climatic conditions are perfect for viticulture. Languedoc-Roussillon wines have managed to free themselves from the influence of Burgundy, Rhône and Bordeaux wines. 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-growing region
It's no longer a secret that Languedoc wines have climbed the ranks and offer a unique taste. With a huge territory of 300,000 hectares, Languedoc-Roussillon is responsible for around a third of wine production in France.
Long the Mediterranean coast, this wine-growing region benefits from a mild climate and a beautiful diversity of terroirs and grape varieties.The vineyards of this region extend 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-growing region has arid soil and a hot, dry climate. This promotes rooting and good vinification.
These wines are mutated and vinified using an ancestral method. Their grape varieties are harvested at good maturity. The wine comes out both alcoholic and sweet in a completely natural way. There are generally two types:
Natural sweet wines made from muscats
- The AOCs of Muscat de Frontignan.
- 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, with pinot noir and much more.
- White grape varieties: these only constitute 23% of Languedoc vineyards. This wine-growing region is used in particular for the production of chardonnay-type white wines.
Languedoc wines - AOC
Over the past 30 years, the Languedoc vineyards have completely transformed. To mark the region's wine-growing identity, the winegrowers have decided to give their wines an appellation that can cover the entire vineyard. This is how the name AOC Languedoc appeared in 2007.
The objective is to promote the quality of wines and increase the visibility of Languedoc winegrowers in the eyes of consumers. This goal appears 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.
· AOC Cabardès wines
Dominating the city of Carcassonne, the hillsides of Cabardès are filled with limestone stones, helping to maintain the freshness of the soil. Cabardès benefits from the intersection of two climatic effects: the mildness of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean heat. Their red and rosé wines therefore stand out for the particular blend of its grape varieties. Winemakers combine Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec with Syrah and Grenache.
· AOC Corbières wines
Located in the Aude department, Corbières is known for its magnificent terroirs. Its climate is hot, the region sunny and the soil dry. Furthermore, its heat is softened by the northwest breeze which is present in the Corbières all year round. 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 AOC in Languedoc to have a terroir with homogeneous soil.The vineyard is not very fertile. It is particularly known for its ability to drain water. This allows the vines to withstand summer heat. Faugères red wines 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 rather popular 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 its original characteristics is favorable for planting vines.
· AOC Limoux wines
This great terroir of bubbles offers Crémant wines. Blanquette is made using 100% ancestral methods. In this Languedoc vineyard, the white wines of Chardonnay, Mauzac or Chenin are the most remarkable. However, red wines are also starting to develop.
· Picpoul de Pinet wines
With a lively style, and a little sparkling, this white wine is specially dedicated to Bouzigues oysters. Located in 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.
· Pic-Saint-Loup wines
Recognized from 2016, the Pic-Saint-Loup denomination is known for its red wines. These are structured and elaborated with finesse. The winegrowers combine Syrah and Grenache grape varieties.
· Saint-chinian wines
This Languedoc-Roussillon vineyard produces a wide range of wines. The shale areas of the north produce very sweet red wines. While winegrowers in the southern part benefit from a clay-limestone terroir, dense and structured.
· AOC Clairette wines from Languedoc
The AOC Clairette 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 quiet and tasty wines.
