France - Languedoc-Roussillon

We could also say "our wines from Occitania" or "our wines from the Pays d'Oc." Although Occitania officially refers to a larger territory, the wine-growing Languedoc roughly corresponds to the territory of the former Septimania or province of Narbonne. This Mediterranean region includes Gard, Hérault, Aude, Tarn, and the Pyrénées-Orientales (Roussillon or French Catalonia). Although it is located west of the Rhône delta, its wines are very different from those of the Southwest, with different terroirs and grape varieties.

The Languedoc vineyard is one of the largest in the world and the largest in France by area: 240,000 hectares. It is also the oldest, with the cradle of the vine in France being located in Gaillac. Situated in a warm and windy climate, within a rich biodiversity, it offers a multitude of microclimates and terroirs, from schist to sandstone, including clay-limestone and molasse or alluvial soils. It also boasts a large number of grape varieties. To name just a few of the indigenous varieties: Syrah, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault for the reds, and for the whites, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Maccabeu, Malvoisie, Marsanne, Mauzac, Picpoul, Rolle, Grenache Blanc or Gris, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat d'Alexandrie, etc.

Under these circumstances, it's no surprise that AOC-AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) and IGP (Protected Indication of Origin) labels abound in Languedoc-Roussillon, producing wines whose quality has been steadily improving for decades—and sometimes some very fine wines in AOCs like Minervois-La Livinière. The region also specializes in natural sweet wines (Rivesaltes AOC, Maury, Banyuls) and sweet muscats (Muscats from Rivesaltes, Frontignan, Lunel, Saint-Jean-de-Minervois, Mireval, etc.), not to mention the sparkling wines of Limoux (AOP Blanquette de Limoux, Crémant de Limoux, and Limoux méthode ancestrale).

Among the AOP and AOC dry and still wines, the list is also impressive: AOP Languedoc (formerly Coteaux-du-Languedoc), Minervois, Corbières, La Clape, Faugères, Pic-Saint-Loup, Terrasses-du-Larzac, Saint-Chinian, Fitou, Côtes-du-Roussillon, Tautavel, Clairette-du-Languedoc, Picpoul-de-Pinet…
Languedoc-Roussillon produces white and red wines, with a predominance of reds. The latter are powerful, dense, full-bodied, and long-aging, offering notes of black fruits, pepper, spice, leather, and robust tannins. A schist soil accentuates the freshness of these red wines, while the white wines, in such a warm climate, are surprisingly fresh, especially in Roussillon. They are remarkable for their balance between fruitiness, roundness, and acidity. What are the main wine-growing regions of Languedoc-Roussillon?
The major wine-growing regions of Languedoc-Roussillon can be defined by their departments. In Gard, the Costières-de-Nîmes; in Hérault, the Coteaux du Languedoc; in Aude, the Corbières, Minervois, Cabardès, and Limoux; in Pyrénées-Orientales, Roussillon with the Côtes du Roussillon, Rivesaltes, Maury, Banyuls, and Collioure. Fitou, a red cru, lies on the border between Languedoc and Roussillon.
How do the red wines of Languedoc differ from those of other regions?
It is mainly their grape varieties that make the difference: Carignan, Syrah, and Mourvèdre give the wines a particular character that enhances their freshness and fruitiness, much more than one would expect from a region with such hot summers. Languedoc red wines are full-bodied, dense, and powerful, yet balanced, fresh, and aromatic. The centuries-old expertise of winemakers ensures they are free from heaviness. They generally age well and pair well with many dishes.
Which Languedoc red wines are not to be missed? Languedoc red wines that are sought after for their expressiveness and depth are, in Hérault, those from the Pic-Saint-Loup, Cabrières (schist soils), and Faugères appellations, particularly the Berlou cru. In Aude, the La Clape, Minervois-La Livinière, Fitou, and Corbières-Boutenac appellations are recommended. In Roussillon, the Tautavel crus and the delicious red wines of Collioure. Maury, a naturally sweet red wine made from Grenache Noir, is also not to be missed.
How to choose a Languedoc-Roussillon wine? If you enjoy full-bodied red wines with body and notes of red and black fruits, choose a vintage from Faugères, Saint-Chinian, Minervois, or Corbières. A red wine from Cabrières (Hérault) or Tautavel (Roussillon) will be more mineral thanks to the schist soils.

If you're looking for a naturally sweet wine, choose a Rivesaltes or a Maury. For festive bubbles, opt for a Blanquette de Limoux, which can be a white or rosé.

If you're looking for dry white wines, those from the Côtes du Roussillon can be very fine wines that rival the great white Burgundies. Those from Languedoc, with their charm and freshness, can also reach very high standards, although they are less complex and slightly more acidic. Languedoc-Roussillon whites have the virtue of offering good acidity without lacking richness and roundness. What dishes pair well with Languedoc wines?
Answer: all dishes, thanks to the Languedoc's diverse winemaking, but not just any wine!
The generous, full-bodied reds go very well with stews, stews, cassoulets, roast lamb, and grilled beef. And of course, charcuterie and cured meats. As they age, they pair well with black truffles.
The dry white wines of Languedoc, particularly Picpouls-de-Pinet and Clairette-du-Languedoc, have a lovely acidity that makes them good companions for all seafood: oysters, shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and also goat or sheep cheese. With white wines from Tautavel, Côtes-du-Roussillon, or Corbières, the range of pairings is very broad: you can try roasted, stewed, or grilled poultry, white meats, and cooked dishes.

Vins doux naturels and sweet muscats are good aperitif or after-meal wines, but keep in mind that with age, they can be enjoyed throughout an entire meal. Don't reserve them for desserts; it's a shame to make "sweet on sweet" pairings. Their best pairings are with well-aged cheeses and ripe fruits such as figs, peaches, melon, and cherries for Maury, as well as walnuts, hazelnuts, and chestnuts.