Languedoc is one of the most important wine regions in France. It is located in the south of the country, and its wines are some of the most popular in the world.
The region is known for its red wines, which are made from a variety of grapes, but the most common is the Grenache. Languedoc also produces white wines and rosés.
The wines of Languedoc are known for their high quality, and they are often exported to other countries.
History
The region has a long history of viticulture, and the wines produced here are some of the finest in the world.
The Romans were the first to plant vines in the region, and they quickly became a staple of the economy. The wines produced here were so popular that they were even exported to Rome.
During the Middle Ages, Languedoc was known as the “Land of Plenty” due to its abundance of food and wine. The wine was an important part of life in the region, and it was often used for religious ceremonies. The wines produced here were also highly prized by the nobility.
In the 18th century, the region experienced a decline due to the French Revolution. Many of the vineyards were destroyed, and the wine industry did not recover until the 19th century.
Since then, Languedoc has become one of the most important wine regions in France.
Climate and Terroir
The climate in Languedoc is perfect for growing grapes, and the soils are rich in minerals. Languedoc experiences seasons of warm weather and plentiful rainfall.
The region is also protected from the harsh winds of the Mediterranean Sea by the Pyrenees Mountains. This makes for a perfect growing environment for grapes.
Thanks to plentiful rainfall, the soil in Languedoc is very fertile and it produces some of the best wines in France. The region has a variety of different soils, including sand, clay, and limestone.
These all contribute to the unique flavor of the wines from Languedoc.
Grape Varieties
Languedoc is home to a variety of grape varieties, but the most common are Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. These grapes are used to produce the region’s signature red wines.
White wine grapes, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, are also grown in Languedoc.
The wines of Languedoc are some of the most popular in the world, and they are known for their high quality. The region is home to a variety of different grape types, and each one produces a unique flavor.
If you’re looking for delicious French wine, then look no further than the wines of Languedoc.
Popular Wines of Languedoc
The Languedoc region is home to a number of famous wineries, and the wines produced here are exported all over the world.
1. Mas Gabriel
Le Mas Gabriel is a family-owned and operated winery that began in 2006. This vineyard in Caux covers 6.5 hectares in the Languedoc-Pézenas appellation, which is about 16 acres.
The soil includes Villefranchian gravel, clay, limestone, and basalt. All vineyards are organically farmed with respect for the land and nature.
They only grow varietals native to the Mediterranean region. Red varieties include Cinsault, black Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah while white varieties include grey Grenache, Vermentino, and white Carignan.
Every grape is harvested by hand to ensure the best quality possible. The grapes are then sorted and destemmed before going into vinification. This is the process of turning grape juice into wine.
All wines are aged in barrels for 12 to 18 months before being bottled. This allows the flavors to develop a unique character and mature into delicious wine.
2. Chateau Complazens
A self-proclaimed vineyard of character, Chateau Complazens is located on the highest plateau in the region on the only natural protected site in the Languedoc.
The ancient roman outcrop is bathed in sunlight for more than 3000 hours every year while the wind protects the grapes from pests and diseases.
The vineyards are made up of several terroirs including limestone, clay, sand, and gravel. The climate is perfect for grape-growing with warm days and cool nights. This allows the grapes to ripen slowly and develop their full flavor potential.
The chateau produces both red and white, but they pride themselves on their cuvees, which are special blends of wines.
The red cuvees are made up of Syrah, Grenache, and old Carignan, while the mono-varietal reds include Syrah, Grenache, and Marselan.
They also produce a variety of white and rose wines that exhibit bright floral notes and crisp flavors, thanks to their proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.
3. Chateau de Flaugergues
This chateau, built in the seventeenth century, is surrounded by magnificent gardens and is an awe-inspiring sight to behold.
The architecture is ambitious, and it’s a true oasis for any wine lover. Not only do they produce excellent wines, but the de Colbert family has won awards for their remarkable restoration efforts.
A total of 69 acres grows grapes that are perfectly suited to the rich terroir including reds like Syrah, Grenache Noir, Carignan, Merlot, Cinsault, Marselan, Egiodola, Arinarnoa, and Mourvedre; and whites like Muscat A Petit Grain, Viognier, and Rolle.
All 8 wines they produce exhibit rich flavors, fresh aromas, and silky tannins. There’s also a gourmet restaurant on-site if you’d prefer to spend some time enjoying the gardens and sipping the wine.
4. Villa Dondona
Villa Dondona is a family-owned and operated vineyard that’s been in business since 1832.
Located in the Saint Chinian appellation, the vineyard is made up of clay and limestone soils that are ideal for growing grapes. The climate is Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
The vines are trained using the gobelet method, which is traditional in the Languedoc. This allows the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, resulting in wines with complex flavors.
The vineyard produces both red and white wines, as well as sparkling wine and dessert wine. The reds are made up of Grenache Noir, Carignan, and Syrah, while the whites are made up of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Marsanne.
5. Domaine la Louviere
There’s some interesting folklore in this place that says wolves used to gather here to pick up scents for their hunt.
This legend inspired the marketing for Domaine la Louviere, and while it may seem odd, the wolves on their labels are an important part of their history.
The vineyard is located in the Pays d’Oc, which is a region that’s known for its sandy soils, and sits at the base of the Pyrenees.
This makes for an interesting microclimate in which the warmth of the Mediterranean passes through while the Pyrenees and Atlantic influence offers a chill. This tension creates very complex flavors.
All wines are made using organic production methods. The bold but fruity flavors of the wines in the Plaisirs range offer exceptionally refined character while the exclusive Peches range is made from the best grapes grown in the best locations.
They carefully examine every vintage and will only produce these wines if the conditions are just right.
