1. Overview of Languedoc Roussillon Wine Country
Explore the picturesque Languedoc Roussillon Wine Country, renowned for its extensive vineyards and exceptional wines.
2. Discovering the Richness of Languedoc Wines
The Languedoc region is an enormous producer of French wine, encompassing over a third of the nation’s vineyard acreage. As a result, you can enjoy high-quality Languedoc wines that provide great value compared to others of similar caliber.
This region is especially known for its production of table wines, or vins de tables, as well as country wines, or vin de pays. Additionally, Languedoc serves as a wonderful destination for wine enthusiasts, as it offers numerous opportunities for vineyard tours and tastings, or simply sipping a glass at a charming café terrace.
Traveling around Languedoc’s wine country is simple, whether you choose to rent a car or join a tour group. It best serves to focus on one or two specific wine territories during your exploration, as the region is plentifully dotted with vineyards.
An interesting historical fact: Limoux claims to be the birthplace of sparkling wine, with local lore suggesting that Dom Perignon was inspired here. Visitors today can indulge in Limoux’s delectable sparkling wine, known as Blanquette.
The French government oversees quality in wine production, utilizing the “appellation d’origine controlée” designation to ensure adherence to strict guidelines regarding cultivation and production standards. Officials also conduct taste tests to guarantee high quality.
3. Exploring the Wine Territories of Languedoc
The Languedoc region comprises ten “AOC” territories, each known for unique characteristics. Below, we examine some of these notable wine territories:
Corbières Wine Territory
Located in Carcassonne, Narbonne, Perpignan, and Quillan, Corbières produces young wines with flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry. Notably, 94% of the produced wines are red, while aged varieties exhibit hints of spice, pepper, liquorice, and thyme.
- Grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault for reds and rosés.
- White wines feature Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Maccabeu, Marsanne, and Roussanne.
Côteaux du Languedoc Wine
This territory is home to France’s oldest vines, stretching legendarily along the Mediterranean coast from Narbonne to Camargue and into the foothills of the Montagne Noire and Cévennes.
The red wines are both velvety and elegant, characterized by notes of raspberry, black currant, and spices. Aged varieties deepen into enriching aromas of leather and scents from the garrigue plants.
Minervois Wines
Situated between the Canal du Midi and the Montagne Noire, Minervois wines are renowned for their structure and elegance. Young wines feature fine aromas of black currant and vanilla.
- Grain varieties include Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache.
- White wines showcase Marsanne and Roussanne among others.
Saint Chinian Wine
North of Béziers, Saint Chinian wines are comprised of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Their young versions reveal good structure and noticeable balsam and spice notes.
Faugères Wine
Located to the north of Béziers and Pézenas, this territory is known for well-structured yet supple young wines, boasting mineral intricacies and aromatic qualities of small red fruits.
Upon maturation, these wines evolve additional layers of leather and licorice.
Fitou Wine
Fitou wine is exclusively a robust red wine produced in nine communes, celebrated for its rich aromas of blackberry and leather.
Clairette du Languedoc Wine
This AOC specializes in white wines made from the Clairette grape. Young versions highlight tropical fruit notes, while aged wines entice with honey and peach flavors.
Limoux Wine
Just south of Carcassonne, Limoux is famous for its sparkling wines. The distinct “Méthode Ancestrale Blanquette” offers vibrant flavors of apricot and peach floral notes.
Cabardès Wine
Set against the backdrop of six rivers, Cabardès presents well-balanced wines that reflect both Atlantic fruit refinement and the intense fullness of Mediterranean varieties.
Malapere Wine
This AOC produces a variety of young wines with fruit aromas, while older wines charm with notes of toast and rich fruits.
