France, Languedoc

The Languedoc-Roussillon vineyard, located in the south of France, extends over part of the Occitanie region, covering the Aude, Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales. It includes 228,000 hectares of vines, 89,000 of which are AOC. This terroir produces a wide variety of wines: reds, rosés, whites, sparkling wines and natural sweet wines.

Of very ancient origin, predating Narbonne Gaul, it is home to the Blanquette de Limoux, considered to be the oldest sparkling wine in the world. Long perceived as wines of lower quality, Languedoc-Roussillon wines benefited from a revival in the 1980s, attracting more and more consumers thanks to a move upmarket and an enhancement of local know-how

 

 

 

HISTORY OF LANGUEDOC WINES

 

The prehistoric site of the Caune de l'Arago, in Tautavel, bears witness to a human presence as early as 700,000 years ago. Later, the Neolithic period left its mark on Port-Leucate, with agriculture, livestock and pottery. Viticulture, attested before the foundation of Narbonne Gaul, was practiced in goblets, then adapted to Roman methods.

In the Middle Ages, after invasions, vines developed on the hillsides. From the thirteenth century, Languedoc wines were exported. In the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, cultivation intensified, with the rise of Muscat and techniques such as the drying of grapes. In the nineteenth century, the railway opened up new markets, but the vineyards suffered several crises (powdery mildew, phylloxera, mildew). Despite this, Aude, Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales became the main wine producers in France.

For thirty years, the Languedoc vineyards have been working to identify the terroirs and adapt the grape varieties, allowing a varied production of red, white, rosé, sparkling and natural sweet wines. The reds are dominated by Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, offering powerful and balanced wines. The whites, made from Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Bourboulenc, Macabeu and Clairette, are joined by Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino, bringing freshness and complexity. For sparkling wines, especially Blanquette de Limoux and Crémant de Limoux, Mauzac, Chardonnay and Chenin are preferred. Thanks to this diversity, the Languedoc seduces lovers of fruity, floral or structured wines, suitable for both aperitifs and gastronomic meals.

 

 

MAIN GRAPE VARIETIES

 

Red grape varieties:

  • Carignan
  • Grenache
  • Shiraz
  • Mourvèdre
  • Cinsault

 

White grape varieties:

  • Grenache blanc
  • Picpoul
  • Bourboulenc
  • Macabeu
  • Clairette
  • Marsanne
  • Roussanne
  • Vermentino

 

Grape varieties for sparkling wines:

  • Mauzac
  • Chardonnay
  • Chenin

 

LIST OF NAMES

 

AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) appellations :

  • Languedoc
  • Pic Saint-Loup
  • Saint-Chinian
  • Minervois
  • Faugères
  • Corbières
  • Fitou
  • La Clape
  • Muscat de Lunel
  • Muscat de Mireval
  • Blanquette de Limoux (for sparkling wines)
  • Crémant de Limoux (for sparkling wines)
  • Limoux
  • Cabardès
  • Terraces of Larzac
  • Languedoc-Roussillon (sometimes used for generic wines of the region)

 

Natural Sweet Wine (VDN) appellations:

  • Rivesaltes
  • Banyuls
  • Maury

 

 

 

 

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WHAT TO DO - WHAT TO VISIT

 

 

 

WINE ROUTE

 

The Languedoc Wine Route takes you to discover the vineyards of the region, passing through famous appellations such as Pic Saint-Loup, Minervois, Saint-Chinian, Faugères, Corbières and Limoux. Guests can taste local wines, visit wineries, and take part in tasting workshops and hikes in the vineyards. The route also takes you through picturesque villages such as Lagrasse and Pézenas, while offering unique experiences such as nights in a wine estate, picnics in the vineyards, or bike rides. A complete immersion in the terroir, culture and exceptional landscapes of the Languedoc.

 

DOMAINE O’VINEYARDS

 

Located close to Carcassonne, in the heart of the Languedoc region. This family-owned vineyard produces quality wines, especially red, white and rosé vintages, using biodynamic cultivation techniques. The estate also offers tours and tastings, with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the citadel of Carcassonne. Visitors can enjoy an authentic experience, between oenological discoveries and convivial moments.

THE CASTLE OF FLAUGERGUES

 

Château de Flaugergues is a historic wine estate near Montpellier, renowned for its elegant architecture and listed gardens. The vineyard produces a wide range of AOC Languedoc wines, including reds, whites and rosés, grown using environmentally friendly methods. The castle offers guided tours, tastings, and events, allowing visitors to experience both its heritage and its wines in a beautiful setting.

DOMAINE PREIGNES

 

Domaine Preignes le Vieux is a wine estate located near Béziers, with a history dating back to Roman times. It produces a wide range of wines, from reds and whites to sparkling wines, with a focus on quality and biodiversity. The estate offers tours, tastings and outdoor activities, while showcasing its winemaking heritage and sustainable production methods. Visitors can enjoy an immersive experience in an authentic and natural setting.

DOMAINE TERRE DES TEMPLIERS

 

Terres des Templiers is a winery located in the Coteaux du Languedoc region, near Pézenas. The estate, steeped in history, produces AOC Languedoc wines made from traditional and organic grape varieties. It offers guided tours, tastings and events, allowing visitors to discover its historical heritage and taste its vintages in the heart of the wine-growing landscapes. The emphasis is on authenticity, the quality of the wines and respect for the environment.

THE BOUDAU ESTATE

 

Domaine Boudau is located in the Côtes du Roussillon, near Perpignan, and is known for its fruity and elegant wines. This family-owned estate, committed to sustainable viticulture, produces a variety of red, white and rosé wines. Visitors can discover the passion of the winemakers through tours and tastings, while enjoying the picturesque landscapes of the vineyard. The estate emphasizes quality, authenticity and respect for the terroir.

DOMAINE LA SEIGNEURIE DE PEYRAT

 

La Seigneurie de Peyrat is a wine estate located in the Aude region, in the heart of the Languedoc region. This estate, founded in the seventeenth century, produces quality wines made from traditional grape varieties, with particular attention paid to sustainable viticulture. Visitors can learn about the history of the estate through guided tours and tastings, while exploring the vineyard's landscapes. The estate is distinguished by its heritage, its commitment to quality and its respect for the environment.

 

THE GUINOT HOUSE

 

Maison Guinot is a wine estate located in the Côtes du Roussillon region, known for its authentic and refined wines. This family-owned estate favours an environmentally friendly approach, using sustainable and biodynamic cultivation methods. Visitors can explore the vineyard, learn about the history of the house, and participate in tastings to appreciate the diversity of wines produced, ranging from reds to whites to rosés. An ideal place to combine the pleasure of the senses and the discovery of the terroir.

DOMAINE SARRAT DE GOUNDY

 

Sarrat de Goundy is a wine estate located in the Faugères region, in the heart of the Languedoc. This family estate, cultivated biodynamically, produces authentic wines with character, mainly reds, from local grape varieties such as Syrah and Grenache. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, tastings and learn about sustainable agricultural practices in a natural and unspoilt setting. Sarrat de Goundy offers an immersive experience combining tradition, quality and respect for the terroir.

 

DOMAINE MAS DU NOVI

 

Le Mas du Novi is a wine estate located in the Minervois, in the Languedoc region. This family estate produces quality red, white and rosé wines, made from local grape varieties grown in sustainable agriculture. Visitors can learn about the winemaking process through guided tours and tastings, while enjoying the picturesque setting of the vineyard, between hills and olive groves. The estate emphasizes the quality of the wines and respect for the terroir, offering a friendly and authentic experience.

 

 

CHATEAU DE LUC – FAMILLE FABRE

 

Château de Luc - Famille Fabre is a wine estate located in the Languedoc region, close to the Mediterranean Sea. This family estate, run by the Fabre family, produces a wide range of red, white and rosé wines, carefully crafted from traditional grape varieties. The vineyard, cultivated according to environmentally friendly practices, offers visitors tours and tastings to discover its quality wines and rich heritage. The estate places particular emphasis on authenticity, innovation and the preservation of the terroir.

 

PONT DU GARD

 

The Pont du Gard is an iconic site in the south of France, located near Nîmes. This wine estate, nestled at the foot of the famous Roman aqueduct, produces AOC Costières de Nîmes wines. He is recognized for his commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly viticulture. Visitors can learn about the history of the place through guided tours and tastings, while enjoying wines made from local grape varieties. The place combines historical heritage and wine terroir, offering a unique experience for wine and history lovers.

THE BAMBOO GROVE IN THE CÉVENNES

 

La Bambouseraie en Cévennes is a unique place located in Générargues, in the Cévennes. Although mainly known for its exceptional botanical garden that houses an extensive collection of bamboo, the Bambouseraie also produces wines from its winery. The vineyard, located on sunny terraces, grows local grape varieties to create authentic and quality wines. Visitors can discover the secrets of bamboo cultivation while exploring the vineyards and tasting wines in harmony with the surrounding natural landscape. An enriching experience that combines nature, culture and know-how.

THE ARENAS OF NÎMES

 

The Arena of Nîmes, famous for its historical heritage as a Roman amphitheater, is also home to a winery that reflects the local terroir. Located in the Costières de Nîmes region, this estate produces quality red, white and rosé wines, made from typical Languedoc grape varieties. Visitors can explore the site's Roman history while tasting authentic wines, combining ancient traditions with modern innovations. The estate emphasizes the preservation of the terroir and the authenticity of its products, thus offering an enriching experience combining culture, history and viticulture.

 

THE CITY OF CARCASSONNE

 

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carcassonne is a majestic medieval fortress located in the Languedoc region. Near this historic city, several wine estates produce wines from the AOC Corbières and Minervois region. These wines, which include reds, rosés and whites, are made from local grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. Visitors can learn about the history of Carcassonne while tasting quality wines, from vineyards cultivated with respect for the terroir. The Cité offers an immersive experience that combines medieval heritage and local wine riches.

 

 

 

GASTRONOMY AND TASTING

 

The House of Lozère (Nîmes)

La Table de l'Oustal (Aude)

Le 4 Mains (Montpellier)

The Queen's Garden (Montpellier)

The Auberge du Vieux Puits (Bages)

L’Oenophile (Narbonne)

Le Dôme (Montpellier)

L'Oustal del Barry (Aude)

The Saint-Bernard (Carcassonne)

The Old Well (Fontjoncouse)

The Wines of Régusse (Saint-Chinian)

La Cantine de l'Atelier (Nîmes)

Le Clos de la Violette (Aix-en-Provence)

La Table de Casimir (Perpignan)

 


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