Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest vine growing area in the world. From the Rhône to Spain, the wine region is several times bigger than the Australian wine region or Bordeaux.
The main grapes used in Languedoc Roussillon are:
- Red: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have replaced other mediocre grape varieties such as Aramon and Alicante.
- White: Macabeu, Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Ugni blanc, Bourboulenc. Viognier and Chardonnay have been introduced with success in Languedoc Roussillon. Chardonnay is now the most widely used grape in the region.
- Sweet white wine: Muscat blanc, Muscat romain or d'Alexandrie and Grenache
At the beginning of the 70s, it became clear that the region was not ready for the changing wine market. The quantity exceeded the demand. The quality was mediocre. The price too expensive compare to Italian, Spain and now new wine countries. Languedoc Roussillon wine makers had to change or their wine region would die. They began to use new techniques such as aging the wine in oak barrel. They replaced poor quality grape varieties with noble grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Chardonnay and Viognier. They selected the best vineyards and decided to go for quality. Today, Languedoc Roussillon is one of the most successful wine regions in France.
Languedoc Roussillon wine making information:
Size of the vineyards:
160,000 hectares (400,000 acres)
including 70,000 hectares (173,000 acres) in AOC
Vineyards:
50,000 vine growers working with 400 co-ops (70% of the regional production) 2,800 private wineries
Soil:
Mainly limestone, sandstone, pebbles, granite can also be found
Weather:
Mediterranean (mild winter and hot summer)
Red Grapes in Languedoc Roussillon:
Carignan
Grenache
Syrah
Cinsault
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Mourvèdre
White Grapes in Languedoc Roussillon:
Clairette
Roussane
Marsanne
Ugni Blanc
Bourboulenc
Viognier
Chardonnay
Production:
over 2 billion bottles !
less than 25% in AOC, 50% vin de pays, over 25% vin de table
Type of Wine:
Dry and fruity rosé wine
also dry white wine - red wine - sweet wine
