Wines of Languedoc Wines – the largest wine region in France

The wines of Languedoc-Roussillon are produced in the region of the same name in southern France. Local vineyards occupy almost 3000 km², more than a third of all French wines are produced in this zone. In 2001, Languedoc produced more wine than the entire United States of America. Every year, the region supplies the market with at least three times as many bottles as Bordeaux.

History

Languedoc is not only the largest, but also the oldest wine region in France. The first vineyards appeared here thanks to the Greeks in the 1980th century. BC. In the XNUMXth century, this territory became French, in the middle of the XNUMXth century, France annexed the Spanish Roussillon, and in the XNUMXs, these two zones merged into one administrative unit.

From the XNUMXth to the beginning of the XNUMXth century, local wines enjoyed excellent fame, the products of the St. Chinian was even prescribed in hospitals as it was believed to have healing powers. However, with the development of the industrial industry, winemakers shifted their focus to mass production, relying on cheap red wine, popular among the working class. Since the XNUMXth century in Languedoc began to grow inexpensive varieties that give a bountiful harvest. From such berries, a rather unsightly wine was obtained, which had to be blended with Algerian wine in order for the drink to become at least a little more full-bodied and aromatic.

The phylloxera epidemic that broke out in the XNUMXth century destroyed many old vines, new varieties were planted in place of the dead varieties: Aramon, Alicante Bouschet, Carignan. During both world wars, it was the Languedoc that provided the French army with red wine.

In 1962, Algeria gained independence, respectively, strong Algerian wines, hiding the shortcomings of the fresh products of the Languedoc, became unavailable. In the 1970s, consumers began to value quality more than quantity, and the demand for affordable brands declined. These two events led to a crisis in the overproduction of inexpensive low-quality wine in Europe, which forced winemakers to shift from quantity back to quality, albeit at the cost of many protests and strikes.

Now the region is in a state of transition – you can still find very inexpensive mass wine in it, but you can already come across expensive elite brands.

Climate

Languedoc-Roussillon borders Provence and the Rhone Valley to the east, and Banyuls AOC and the Pyrenees to the west. In the north, the region rests on the Central Massif, many vineyards are located in the flat parts, near the Mediterranean Sea and along the banks of rivers.

Summers are very dry and hot, with most of the precipitation falling in winter. The Mediterranean climate that has settled in Languedoc is the best suited for the cultivation of a large number of a wide variety of varieties. Due to the Tramontana wind, the likelihood of drought is high, especially since artificial irrigation is prohibited by EU rules. The soil varies from chalk and limestone to floodplain.

Grape varieties

Many grape varieties are grown in the Languedoc, including such well-known ones as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay. Also found here are grapes characteristic of the Rhone Valley: Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Viognier. Of course, there are also autochthonous varieties that are considered the hallmark of the area.

Red wine

1. Carignan is the main red variety of the region, producing a bright tannic wine with juicy fruit flavors.
2. Grenache (Grenache) – turns out a rounded wine with a reduced content of tannins and increased strength. It is used for the production of fortified wines and in blends.
3. Senso (Cinsault) is a North African variety used for the production of roses, in blends it is “responsible” for aroma and berry notes.

White wine

1. Maccabeu.
2. Grenache Blanc.
3. Кларет (Clairette).
4. Terre (Terret).
5. Piquepoul – used for the production of dry wines.
6. Muscat (Muscat) – make both naturally sweet wines and dry, for example, Saint Jean de Minervois and Rivesaltes.

Production regions

Languedoc-Roussillon is divided into three broad sub-regions.

East Languedoc

Local wines are very reminiscent of analogues from the Rhone Valley: thick, strong, rich. Main grape varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre.

Best Appellations:

• Faugères. Famous representatives: Jean-Michel and Véronique Alquier.
• Côteaux du Languedoc (or simply Languedoc AOC) is included in both eastern and western Languedoc, includes a wide variety of terroirs.
• Pic Saint Loup. The best producer is André Leenhardt of Chateau de Cazeneuve.
• Carignan is often added to wines, a well-known producer is Sylvain Fadat from Domaine Aupilhac.

Western Languedoc

A cooler climate has been established here, the main variety is Carignan.

Best Appellations:

• Saint-Chinian. Known for luxurious reds made from Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. Notable makers: Isabelle and Matthieu Champart from Mas Champart.
• Saint Jean de Minervois. Birthplace of naturally sweet white wines from Muscat. A popular brand is Raymond Miquel from Domaine de Barroubio.
• It supplies the market with medium-bodied wines of moderate strength, similar to analogues from Bordeaux. Best producers: Isabelle and Laurent Coustal from Château Saint-Eulalie.
• Cabardes. The appellation is also similar to Bordeaux; rather light wines with a delicate bouquet are produced here. Manufacturer: Nicolas de Lorgeril of Château de Pennautier.
• The Aude Valley is where the sparkling Crémant de Limoux is produced.

South + Roussillon

Dry and hot zone surrounded by mountains. Significant Appellations:

• Fitou is the oldest appellation in the zone, the well-known brand is Embrès & Castelmaure.
• Corbières is an appellation with dozens of climatic microzones and soil types. The best producer is Pierre Borie of Châteaux les Ollieux-Romanis.

In total, more than 500 wine cooperatives and 30 producers operate on the territory of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Wine classification of Languedoc

Since the 1990s, Languedoc has been trying to introduce an appellation system, but it has not taken root completely, and many producers ignore it. In addition, the wine-growing area has not yet fully formed – the appellations are constantly changing, merging, dividing, old ones disappear and new ones are added. Roughly speaking, the following categories can be distinguished:

• Table wine is an ordinary wine that is not subject to any quality requirements.
• Vins de Pays are wines slightly above the previous category, but below AOC status. A synonym for IGP is Indication Géographique Protégée, wines protected by geographical origin. In this category, there are very worthy representatives, for example, Mas de Daumas Gassac and Grange des Pères.
• AOC – premium quality drinks, the names of which are protected on a geographical basis.