08【Southern France】Languedoc Roussillon

Languedoc Roussillon

• Location: Southern France, extending from the Spanish border to the Provence region.

• Area: This wine region extends about 150 miles (240 kilometers) and covers 9 AOC designated areas from east to west, including Côtes de Provence, Bandol, Cassis, and Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence.

• Main grape varieties: A diverse range of indigenous and international varieties including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan.

• Notable wines: Minervois, Corbières, etc.

The history of winemaking in Languedoc Roussillon dates back to the 6th century BC when Greek colonists brought grape-growing techniques to the land. Subsequently, the involvement of the Roman Empire further boosted the local winemaking industry, distributing wines from here to all corners of the empire. During the medieval period, the monks in the monasteries elevated the art of winemaking, laying the foundation for Languedoc Roussillon as a sacred place for wine production.

Geographical Location

Languedoc Roussillon is the largest wine region in France, located in southern France along the Mediterranean coast, bordered to the north by the Cévennes mountains, the Pyrénées mountains, and the junction of the Atlantic and the Alps. This geographically diverse region provides ideal conditions for grape growth.

Environmental Features

The Mediterranean climate is a typical characteristic of the region—abundant sunshine, moderate rainfall, and cool sea breezes that help maintain the grapes’ good acidity and ripeness:

• Climate: Languedoc Roussillon has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The region enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, making it very suitable for grape growing. The Tramontane wind in the north helps keep the vineyards dry and reduces the risk of disease.

• Soil: The soil types are diverse, including limestone, schist, sandstone, volcanic soil, and clay. This rich combination of soils provides an ideal growing environment for different grape varieties and imparts complex and diverse flavors to the wines, resulting in multi-layered and stylistically varied wines.

• Production data: The region has about 280,000 hectares of vineyards, making it the largest wine-producing area in France, producing over 2 billion bottles of wine each year, accounting for one-third of France's total production. Of this, 60% is red wine, 19% is Rosé (pink wine/rosé), 20% is white wine, with the remainder being sparkling and sweet wines.

Main Grape Varieties:

1. Grenache

• Description: Grenache is drought-resistant and high-yielding, serving as an important foundational variety for Languedoc red wines (such as Corbières and Minervois) and Rosé wines, adding fruitiness and body.

• Tasting notes: Features aromas of red fruits like strawberry and raspberry, with a full structure, accompanied by spiciness and meatiness. With aging, complex flavors of licorice, smoke, and chocolate develop.

  

  
  

2. Syrah/Shiraz

• Description: Syrah was introduced to Languedoc in the 1970s and quickly became one of the key varieties in the region, particularly suited to the diverse soils and hot climate.

• Tasting notes: Offers rich aromas of dark fruits like blackberry and blueberry, accompanied by hints of pepper, licorice, and smokiness. The tannins are firm and acidity is moderate, providing good aging potential. Over time, it will also reveal leather, chocolate, and animalistic flavors.

  

  
  

3. Carignan

• Description: Carignan is a traditional variety that has been cultivated in Languedoc for over 100 years. This variety is known for its high acidity and tannins, often used in blends of high-end red wines like Faugères and Corbières; previously used for mass production, modern low-yield cultivation techniques now allow for the crafting of wines with distinctive character.

• Tasting notes: Features aromas of black plum, black cherry, dry herbs (garrigue), with a hint of earthiness and leather. The tannins are strong and the structure is prominent, suitable for blending with other varieties to add depth and complexity.

  

  
  

4. Mourvèdre

• Description: Mourvèdre is native to Spain, suitable for warm regions, and is often used to enhance the complexity and structure of blends, while also being able to produce wines with long aging potential when vinified alone.

• Tasting notes: Exhibits rich aromas of blackberry, blueberry, violet, and spices, with a full-bodied palate and smooth tannins.

  

  
  

5. Cinsault

• Description: Cinsault is an ancient heat-resistant grape variety, often used to produce rosé wines and can also be found in lighter red wines. Commonly blended with Grenache, Syrah/Shiraz to enhance the fruitiness and freshness of rosé wines.

• Tasting notes: Features delicate aromas of red fruits like strawberry, raspberry, and floral notes, with a smooth palate and balanced acidity.

  

  
  

6. Picpoul

• Description: Picpoul is one of the most representative white grape varieties of Languedoc, especially expressive in Picpoul de Pinet AOC, known for its refreshing acidity. Mainly used for single-varietal white wines, loved by consumers for its crisp and lively style.

• Tasting notes: Features aromas of lemon, green apple, and white flowers, sometimes accompanied by a hint of salinity or minerality, making it a perfect pairing for seafood dishes.

  

  
  

7. Marsanne and Roussanne

• These two varieties are often used in white wine blends and are important components of high-end white wines from Languedoc. Marsanne brings richness, while Roussanne provides aromatic layers and balance of acidity.

Tasting notes:

• Marsanne: Aromas of apricot, honey, and nuts with a rich and full-bodied palate.

• Roussanne: Aromas of pear, white flowers, and herbs with fresh and balanced acidity.