Languedoc

Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine region in the world. 

Map of Languedoc Roussillon
Geography, weather, main cities, population, local interests, etc

Wine making in Languedoc Roussillon
Vineyards, soil, wine production, grapes in Languedoc Roussillon

Wines of Languedoc Roussillon
Specific information about 5 appellations in Languedoc Roussillon:

• Corbières
• Coteaux du Languedoc
• Côtes du Roussillon
• Saint Chinian
• Costières de Nimes
• Red Grapes
  in Languedoc Roussillon:
• Clairette
  Roussane
  Marsanne
  Ugni Blanc
  Bourboulenc
  Viognier
  Chardonnay
• White Grapes
  in Languedoc Roussillon:
• Carignan
  Grenache
  Syrah
  Cinsault
  Merlot
  Cabernet Sauvignon
  Mourvèdre
• Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Map

Languedoc-Roussillon region is along the Mediterranean sea shores, between the Rhône delta and Spain.

Wine has always been very important in the economy of the region. However tourism has become the most important income source. Languedoc Roussillon is now a destination that attract many tourists. The region has some of the finest beaches in France. The countryside is gorgeous and less overcrowded than in Provence. The region has many historic places of interest, strong traditional culture and authentic food, a vibrant city as Montpellier and a lot of sun to offer! Languedoc Roussillon is a very good alternative to the French riviera, Provence and Périgord altogether !
Languedoc-Roussillon wine making

Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest vine growing area in the world. From the Rhône to Spain, the wine region is several times bigger than the Australian wine region or Bordeaux.

The main grapes used in Languedoc Roussillon are:

- Red: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have replaced other mediocre grape varieties such as Aramon and Alicante.

- White: Macabeu, Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Ugni blanc, Bourboulenc. Viognier and Chardonnay have been introduced with success in Languedoc Roussillon. Chardonnay is now the most widely used grape in the region.

- Sweet white wine: Muscat blanc, Muscat romain or d'Alexandrie and Grenache

At the beginning of the 70s, it became clear that the region was not ready for the changing wine market. The quantity exceeded the demand. The quality was mediocre. The price too expensive compare to Italian, Spain and now new wine countries. Languedoc Roussillon wine makers had to change or their wine region would die. They began to use new techniques such as aging the wine in oak barrel. They replaced poor quality grape varieties with noble grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Chardonnay and Viognier. They selected the best vineyards and decided to go for quality. Today, Languedoc Roussillon is one of the most successful wine regions in France.
 

Languedoc Roussillon wine making information:

Languedoc-Roussillon region produces mainly red wines, a good share is "Vin de Table" but most of it is "Vin de Pays". They are perfect as every day wines.

For the last few years significant efforts have been made to improve the quality of the wine. Today, Languedoc Roussillon has a lot to offer to any wine lovers in the world.

Today selected Herault wines have taken place among renown Crus: Saint-Georges-d'Orques, Pic Saint-Loup, Saint-Chinian, Faugères, Montpeyroux...

The Herault plain also produces famous Muscats, with aromatic flavour, such as Frontignan or Mireval.

In the Aude the best liked wines are Minervois and Corbières.

The Eastern Pyrenees produces natural sweet Roussillon wines, Banyuls or Rivesaltes.

Other regions: Alsace - Burgundy -  Bordeaux - Champagne - Loire - Provence - Cote Du Rhone - South West - Corsica