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Leading Wines of the Languedoc |
Leading Wines of the Languedoc
One of the most celebrated wine regions in France, Languedoc-Roussillon
enjoys a natural landscape that is every bit as wonderful as the red and
white wines produced there. The vast wine producing terroir
(Languedoc-Roussillon is in fact the world`s largest wine-producing region),
Languedoc-Roussillon lies along the Mediterranean coast and encompasses some
700,000 acres of vines. The region produces more than a third of all
France`s red and white wines and the beautiful scenery makes this a
favourite spot for travellers taking wine tasting tours.
The
Mediterranean climate lends itself well to the production of red, white,
rose and sparkling wines and wine lovers are spoiled for choice when it
comes to choosing a wine from the Languedoc-Roussillon region. In fact, with
so many varieties to choose from, the hardest thing about buying wine from
Languedoc-Roussillon is knowing where to start. The hugely prolific region
produces more wine than Bordeaux, Australia, South Africa and Chile
combined, with nearly 3,000 producers making around two billion bottles a
year. The region encompasses around 30 appellations and crus and around 30
per cent of the wine here is exported. Of this, around 70 per cent is
shipped to the UK, the second largest market for Languedoc-Roussillon wines
after Germany.
Of the 30 or so appellations found in the region,
the most famous are the Minervois and Saint-Chinian AOCs, along with
Faugères and Coteaux du Languedoc. The latter appellation includes several
sub-regions, each producing their own distinctive wines. Some exceptional
sub regions to look out for include La Clape, Quatourze and Montypeyroux.
The wine region successfully cultivates many different grape
varieties, including Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and
Chardonnay - the latter grape is used to great effect to make the Vin de
Pays d`Oc wine as well as Cremant de Limoux, an excellent sparkling wine.
Grapes native to the nearby Rhône valley, including Grenache, Syrah and
Mourverde are also successfully grown here. The region produces some
acclaimed sweet fortified wines, principally in the Muscat de Frontignan and
Muscat de St Jean Minervois sub-regions, using Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
grapes.
The beauty of the region makes Languedoc-Roussillon a fine
place for a countryside holiday in France and wine lovers can combine a
break here with a tour of the wine regions. There are countless cosy
guesthouses and rustic farmhouses available to visitors and the rolling
countryside is a wonderful place to explore on foot, by bicycle or on
horseback. There are numerous tour companies offering wine tours and
wine-tasting courses in the region and walking tours of the vineyards are
also increasingly popular. Independent travellers can easily book their own
flights and accommodation and a hire car can help to get off the beaten
track and discover some lesser known vineyards. Those who like the great
outdoors will find plenty of welcoming campsites in the region, with
flexible accommodation regardless as to what tent you may want to
pitch.
Whatever your taste in wine, the sheer variety produced in
the region, combined with the stunning scenery, mean that any wine tour in
the region is bound to be a holiday to remember - for all the right reasons. |
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