Coteaux du Languedoc
A "coteaux" means that a hill is covered by vines.
Coteaux du Languedoc has a very long history. The Greeks planted there probably the first vine in France. It was 500 years B.C. A long time before the Romans, although they dramatically improved the wine making process themselves.
Coteaux du Languedoc is a large wine area, from Narbonne in the west to the edge of Camargue in the east and up to the Cévennes mountains. Actually the area is so large that Coteaux du Languedoc is subdivided into the following sub-appellations:
Grès de Montpellier (including Saint Georges d'Orques
La Clape (and Quatourze)
Pézenas (and Cabières)
Pic Saint Loup
Picpoul de Pinet
Terrasses de Béziers
Terrasses du Larzac (with Montpeyroux and Saint Saturnin)
Terres de Sommières
Faugères and Saint Chinian have their own appellation because of the characteristics and history of their wines.
Although the 20th century was tough for wine makers because of the poor quality and the huge production, the 21th century marks a new era: less production, more quality, more grape varieties (such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier or Merlot) and more new techniques. Today, Coteaux du Languedoc is one of the most look-after appellation in France and this should continue for the next coming years.
Coteaux du Languedoc wine information:
Name:
Appellation Coteaux du Languedoc Controlée
Location:
Around the city of Montpellier and up to the city of Narbonne
Places:
Villages: Saint Georges d'Orques, Montpeyroux
Terroirs:
Pic Saint Loup, Grès de Montpellier, Picpoul de Pinet, La Clape, Terres de Sommières
Soil:
Limestone
Size:
8,400 ha (20,700 acres)
Production:
55 million bottles
79 % red, 12% white, 9% rosé
Grapes:
Red:
Grenache
Syrah
Mourvèdre
and
Carignan
Cinsault
White:
Grenache blanc
Bourboulenc
Clairette
Picpoul
Roussanne
Marsanne
Rolle
Type of wines:
Full body red wine
Light rosé
Light dry white
Age:
Red: 2 to 6 years
White and rosé: drink young
Vintages(recommended) :
2001, 2000, 1998
Aromas:
Raspberry
Black currant
Leather
Food:
Red:
Grilled red meat
Sausages and salami
Roasted turkey
Cheese:
Red:
Pélardon
Saint Nectaire
Cantal
Rosé:
Saint Marcellin
