Languedoc Roussillon

The Languedoc-Roussillon region

The Languedoc-Roussillon region is the largest wine-growing region in France in terms of cultivated area and wine production. Benefiting from a Mediterranean climate, the great wines of Languedoc and Roussillon are mainly produced on hillsides, often planted at altitude and benefiting from favorable geological conditions and privileged exposure.

While the great red wines of Roussillon are primarily made from Grenache Noir , Languedoc wines adhere to blends dictated by local traditions. Languedoc reds are crafted from Syrah , Cabernet Sauvignon , Grenache , Mourvèdre , Carignan , and other grapes, sourced from diverse hillsides with schist, limestone, or granite soils. The white wines, on the other hand, utilize a wide variety of grape varieties, including Viognier , Roussanne , Chardonnay , Sauvignon Blanc , and Rolle .

The greatest winemakers of the Côtes du Roussillon appellation are Gauby and Hervé Bizeul of Clos des Fées . They particularly know how to express their terroir and produce wines of great nobility, freshness, perfect balance and without excessive alcohol.

Minervois

Minervois is a major appellation in the Languedoc region, beginning in Narbonne and extending further northwest towards the Massif des Caunes. It boasts high-quality and often remarkably diverse micro-terroirs, skillfully cultivated by estates such as Château Coupe-Rose and our two Burgundian friends, Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot-Beau . The wines, made from Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, and Cinsault grapes depending on the geological configuration, are elegant and refined.

Pic Saint-Loup

North of Montpellier lies the high-quality Pic Saint Loup appellation, which produces rare and elegant white wines and red wines that often age beautifully. Pic Saint Loup red wines are made primarily from Syrah and Grenache, sometimes complemented by Mourvèdre. They are fresh, easy-drinking wines, perfect for those new to Languedoc wines.

The flagship vintages of Languedoc-Roussillon

Among the best vintages of Languedoc-Roussillon, we should mention 2010 and the great 2013 which should be kept in the cellar, and kept as long as possible while resisting temptation.

Iconic producers in Languedoc-Roussillon

The other great winemakers of Languedoc are Daumas-Gassac , Domaine de Montcalmès , Domaine de Peyre-Rose , Château de l'Engarran and Prieuré de Saint-Jean Brébian .