Languedoc-Roussillon – one of the fastest growing regions for Quality wines today
Some of the top wine critics have tipped Languedoc-Roussillon in South of France as the next region, to soon reach the wine quality of nothing less than Bordeaux and Burgundy - at a much attractive price. Today, Coteaux du Languedoc is one of the most sought-after appellations in France and this should continue to be the trend in the coming years. The five best known appellations in the Languedoc include Coteaux du Languedoc, Corbières, Faugères, Minervois, and Saint-Chinian.
Not so long ago, Languedoc- Roussillon region was considered to be an area which was producing lot of wines with not too much focus on premium quality. Most of the other wine regions in France and other parts of the world would buy bulk wines from here with great price value ratio. The popular category of “Vin de Table” and “Vin de Pays” covered majority of the production. Hence, needless to say, Rest of France and the International market perceived this region as a region for just every day wines.
Recently, I got an opportunity to visit France again, where, beside traveling to Bordeaux, I also visited some of the key Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) regions of Western Languedoc-Roussillon including Coteaux du Languedoc, Minervois, Corbieres, Saint Chinian, Limoux and the region of Carcassonne. After tasting over 500 odd wines from these regions, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that these regions
have been producing some of the finest wines for ages. In the last few years, winemakers have made significant efforts to move focus to the quality of the wine rather than quantity production. Today, this region has a lot to offer to the wine lovers of the world.
Coteaux du Languedoc is a vast wine region located between Narbonne and Nimes. It mostly has limestone soil. “Coteaux” means a hill covered by vines. Coteaux du Languedoc region has a very long history. As per historical facts, the Greeks planted their first vine in France in this region in 500 years B.C. Post this Romans dramatically improved the wine making process themselves. Coteaux du Languedoc appellation was created in 1985 and has been evolving very well since than. At present there are several terroirs, crus and sub regions but it is becoming clear with time which regions have true potential. Many believe that the day is not very far when Coteaux du Languedoc will develop into a clearer and leveled classification system like Burgundy or Bordeaux. It is known for full body red wine; light rosé and light dry white. The key grapes in this region include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault in Red and Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul, Roussanne, Marsanne and Rolle in White.
"AOC in Languedoc-Roussillon and also among the largest wine appellation in France. The region is known for a variety of soil types and microclimates. The wines from the region tend to be just as varied as the terroir. To be specific, Corbières can be divided into 11 terroirs such as Boutenac, Sigean, Lézignan"
La Clape is one of the most famous Cru in AOC Coteaux du Languedoc today and it has already won lot of appreciation for its well structured and full bodied reds and tangy herbal whites.
Corbières is the largest AOC in Languedoc-Roussillon and also among the largest wine appellation in France. The region is known for a variety of soil types and microclimates. The wines from the region tend to be just as varied as the terroir. To be specific, Corbières can be divided into 11 terroirs such as Boutenac, Sigean, Lézignan. Majority of soil is limestone, marl and sandstone. This region is again famous for red wines. About 50% of the grape variety is Carignan. More and more wine are being made in oak barrels which clearly demonstrate the path taken Corbières is the largest
Courtesy: http://www.ambrosiaindia.com