Languedoc

Rocked by the song of the cicadas and gilded by the Mediterranean sun; Here is the vineyard of Languedoc Roussillon! Its 250 000 hectares of cultivated vines make it the largest vineyard in France and its history, one of the oldest. It was indeed in the fifth century BC that the Greeks began planting vines in these latitudes. The Romans then took charge of developing this nascent vineyard. Today, the wines of Languedoc heirs of all these centuries of work are remarkable for their character. Names such as Fitou, Corbières, Saint Chinian have made the reputation of the vineyard, just like the sweet wines Banyuls and Maury.

Emblematic grape varieties

The Phylloxera crisis in the 19th century, followed by an abundant production of poor quality at the beginning of the 20th century, damaged the Languedoc vineyards. The renaissance took place in the early 1980s. New methods of winemaking, new grape varieties: winegrowers now rely on quality and their approach pays off. Languedoc wines are now recognized throughout the world, and several Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée have been created. The Languedoc Roussillon vineyard is characterized by the diversity of grape varieties grown there. However, some, typically Mediterranean, are emblematic:
Grenache: the vine of sweet wines (Maury, Banyuls) and wines of guard. It produces a very sweet juice.
Mourvèdre: a grape variety that gives high-quality, powerful tannic wines. On guard, it develops aromas of spices and black fruits.
Syrah: characteristic variety of the full-bodied, tannic and robust wines. On the palate, the syrah opens on complex fruity and spicy aromas.

The AOC Languedoc

The Languedoc Roussillon vineyards include four departments: the Pyrénées Orientales, the Hérault, the Gard and the Aude. The biggest production is for red wine (77%). Next comes rosé wine (13%) and white wine (10%). The wines of Languedoc are listed in different appellations:

- AOC Languedoc: the regional appellation. Wines of pleasure, accessible in large volumes. They can be assembled within the framework of the AOC.
- Grands Vins du Languedoc: the largest of the production (75%). Aromatic wines, recognizable by their typicity. AOC Corbières, AOC Minervois, AOC Muscats, AOC Saint Chinian, AOC Pic Saint Loup.
- Grands Crus du Languedoc: complex and expressive wines with limited production. AOC Minervois La Livinière, AOC Saint Chinian Roquebrun, AOC La Clape.