Languedoc-Roussillon
by Brenda Francis
We recognize most French wine regions. Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne are known world wide. The Loire Valley, Rhone Valley, and Alsace are easily associated with France, even for the oeno-geographically challenged. The Languedoc-Roussillon regions of France are relative new comers to the global wine market and are often unknown to the US consumer.
     The Languedoc-Roussillon region (also called the Midi) boasts over 700,000 acres of grape vines. Many believe it is the biggest wine region in the world. It is estimated that 5% of all wine produced globally comes from Languedoc-Roussillon. This crescent shaped area stretches along the west bank of the Rhone River as it waltzes past Orange and Avignon, on its way to the Gulf of Lion. It also borders the Mediterranean Sea to the southwest, and the Pyrenees Mountains and Spain to the west. Roussillon was once a province of Spain and still retains a significant Spanish influence.
     Although the Cotes du Languedoc appellation wasn't declared until 1985, this area has been producing wine for thousands of years. A majority of wine produced in this southern wine region are red. Syrah, mourvèdre, grenache, carignan, cinsault, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot are popular grape varieties. White grapes include macabeo, clairette, roussanne, marsanne, ugni blanc, viognier, and chardonnay. Like many other wine regions, chardonnay vines outnumber any other grape variety. While some bottles list their village, in true French style, others list the grape name, catering to the likes of the U.S. consumer. Wine from villages commonly found in the US market include Banyuls, Corbieres, Costieres du Nimes, Coteaux du Languedoc, Cotes du Roussillon, Faugeres, Minervios, Maury, and Cabardes.
     Generally, you will find inviting and colorful labels from Languedoc-Roussillon since they are not locked into following traditions. This warm growing area produces some very new world styled wines and offers many value priced wines with some better quality gems if you take the time to look for them.