Languedoc-Roussillon (561)

Region Languedoc-Roussillon: More Wine is Not Possible

No other wine region in the Grande Nation produces as much wine as Languedoc and Roussillon: more than a quarter of the French wine harvest comes from this part of Pays d'Oc. The best thing about the abundance is the steadily increasing quality of the wines from Languedoc-Roussillon - from top-class appellations like Fitou or La Clape to often underestimated Vins de Pays.

Wine Region Languedoc-Roussillon - Diverse Terroirs and Numerous Wine Styles

From the Rhône delta to the foothills of the Pyrenees, the coastline of the Mediterranean describes nearly a semicircle. Different soils and climate zones, as well as numerous grape varieties, produce a multitude of unique wines.

Climate and Soils in Languedoc-Roussillon

Hot summers, moderate temperatures from autumn to spring, and long dry periods characterize the typical Mediterranean climate of the coastal region. Further inland, increasingly Atlantic currents contribute to higher humidity and lower temperature fluctuations.

Close to the sea, the vines root in sandy, calcareous, and at river mouths, also clay-rich alluvial soils. On the gentle hills, low ridges, and in the shallow valleys at the foot of the Central Massif and the Pyrenees, there are slopes with barren, permeable, limestone- and slate-rich soils, interspersed with gravel fields. 

Grape Varieties in Languedoc-Roussillon

In the AOCs and IGPs of Pays d'Oc, more than 100 grape varieties are approved for vinification.

The most important red grapes include:

• Carignan
• Grenache
• Cinsault
• Mourvèdre
• Syrah
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Malbec

The majority among the white grape varieties are:

• Clairette
• Grenache Blanc
• Roussanne
• Marsanne
• Mauzac
• Piquepoul Blanc
• Vermentino

Wine Styles in Languedoc-Roussillon

Red Wines 

The range of red wines from Pays d'Oc with protected designation of origin ranges from robust, well-structured, partly tannin-rich wines with high aging potential to "summer wines" with fresh fruit aromas - from the Crus du Languedoc like the noble Domaine de L'Ostal Grand Vin Minervois La Livinière AOC of Domaines Cazes to the straightforward IGP L'Or du Sud Merlot Pays D'Oc from Les Vignobles Foncalieu. 

Rosé Wines

A strong sip of southern summer - that’s the best way to characterize the typical rosé from Languedoc. From AOCs like Languedoc, Corbières, Minervois, Saint-Chinian come refreshing delicacies with aromas of red currants, cherries, raspberries, and other summer fruits.

White Wines

Herbaceous notes reminiscent of a fresh sea breeze to full-bodied aromas of ripe fruits characterize the white wines of Languedoc. The most famous whites come from the AOCs Clairette du Languedoc, Minervois, Limoux, Corbières, and Picpoul de Pinet (such as the varietal Blue Mare Picpoul de Pinet AOP from Les Vignobles Montagna). 

Sparkling Wines

The subregion Limoux claims to be the true home of the bottle fermentation known as "Méthode Traditionnelle," taken over by Champagne. The range of the three AOCs Blanquette de Limoux, Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale, and Crémant de Limoux spans from nutty tones over apple aromas to ripe citrus fruits, as in the Crémant de Limoux AOP Château Martinolles from Domaine Paul Mas.

Sweet Wines

While the red Vins Doux Naturels (VDN) from neighboring Roussillon have long been appreciated outside France, high-quality Muscats from appellations like Frontignan, Mireval, Lunel, and Saint-Jean de Minervois have only recently come into the international spotlight.

Interesting Facts about the Wine Region Languedoc-Roussillon

How many Appellations d'Origine Contrôlées are there in Languedoc-Roussillon?

At the top of the quality hierarchy are the five Crus du Languedoc: the AOCs Corbières Boutenac, Saint-Loup, Terrasses du Larzac, Minervois-La-Livinière, and La Clape. Red wine from these AOCs - for example, the La Clape Vignelacroix Côteaux du Languedoc from Château Ricardelle - is often characterized by aromas of dark forest berries and strong wood tones and should be allowed to breathe a bit.

The second level is occupied by the twelve Grands Vins du Languedoc, from Cabardès to Fitou (the oldest red wine appellation in Pays d'Oc) and Minervois to Saint Chinian.

From Nîmes to the department of Pyrénées-Orientales, the regional AOC Languedoc extends. It includes thirteen Dénominations Régionales, which are defined regionally and geographically like the AOCs Languedoc Cabrières or Saint-Saturnin.

Why do many high-quality wines from Languedoc-Roussillon lack AOC classification?

The quality level "Vin de Pays d'Oc" (country wine from Occitanie) was introduced in the late 1980s and subsequently upgraded to IGP. Since 1978, more and more winemakers in Languedoc-Roussillon have moved away from mass production of mediocre wines and focused on the cultivation and vinification of higher-quality grapes. A classification as "country wine" allowed excellent wines to be produced without having to adhere to the rigid restrictions of the AOC standard. For example, Le Grand Rêve Pays d'Herault Mont Baudile IGP from the Cooperative Saint Saturnin is an elegant, multi-faceted cuvée of Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah. The latter, but also other high-quality grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier, or Sauvignon Blanc, were originally not permitted for AOC wines from Languedoc. Winemakers in Pays d'Oc IGP have around 100 grape varieties available.

Why are there so many organically certified wineries in Languedoc?

In Pays d'Oc, Mother Nature takes care of protecting the vines from rot bacteria, fungi, and pests. The low rainfall and warm to hot Mediterranean climate keep the vineyards dry and create an ideal basis for organic farming. Since the state-ordered reduction of yields around 30 years ago, careful cultivation and vinification have become the hallmark of many Languedoc wines. The increased quality demands give small wineries the opportunity to profile themselves with biodynamically produced wines. Large domains (including Paul Mas with their Mas de Tannes Classique Blanc Bio Classique Rouge Bio) are increasingly adopting the trend towards less chemistry in the vineyard.

Discover Wines from Languedoc-Roussillon Online at VINELLO

Enjoy top wines from Languedoc at affordable prices from our online shop. At VINELLO, you will find a representative selection of winemakers and wineries from Languedoc. You can shop safely with us and look forward to a speedy delivery of your order. Additionally, we offer you a variety of payment options from which you can choose your preferred method.

Another advantage at VINELLO: Our sommeliers are available by phone for detailed advice to introduce you to the world of Languedoc wines. This way, you can find your favorites easier and faster, whether for a special occasion, an evening with friends, or for your own private enjoyment.