Languedoc-Roussillon wine

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The Languedoc-Roussillon wine region and the location of the region's appellations. Vignobles midi-fr.svg
The Languedoc-Roussillon wine region and the location of the region's appellations.

Languedoc-Roussillon wine, including the vin de pays labeled Vin de Pays d'Oc, is produced in southern France. While "Languedoc" can refer to a specific historic region of France and Northern Catalonia, usage since the 20th century (especially in the context of wine) has primarily referred to the northern part of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, an area which spans the Mediterranean coastline from the French border with Spain to the region of Provence. The area has around 700,000 acres (2,800 km2) under vines and is the single biggest wine-producing region in the world, being responsible for more than a third of France's total wine production. [1] In 2001, the region produced more wine than the United States. [2]

Contents

History

A vineyard in Villeneuve-les-Maguelone bordering the Gulf of Lion. Languedoc vineyard.jpg
A vineyard in Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone bordering the Gulf of Lion.

The history of Languedoc wines can be traced to the first vineyards planted along the coast near Narbonne by the early Greeks in the fifth century BC. Along with parts of Provence, these are the oldest planted vineyards in France. The region of Languedoc has belonged to France since the thirteenth century and the Roussillon was acquired from Spain in the mid-seventeenth century. The two regions were joined as one administrative region in the late 1980s. [2]

From the 4th century through the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Languedoc had a reputation for producing high quality wine. In Paris during the 14th century, wines from the St. Chinian area were prescribed in hospitals for their "healing powers". [3] During the advent of the Industrial Age in the late 19th century, production shifted towards mass-produced le gros rouge—cheap red wine that could satisfy the growing work force. The use of highly prolific grape varieties produced high yields and thin wines, which were normally blended with red wine from Algeria to give them more body. [4]

The phylloxera epidemic in the 19th century severely affected the Languedoc wine industry, killing off many of the higher quality Vitis vinifera that were susceptible to the louse. American rootstock that was naturally resistant to phylloxera did not take well to the limestone soil on the hillside. In place of these vines, acres of the lower quality Aramon, Alicante Bouschet and Carignan were planted. [5]

During both World Wars the Languedoc was responsible for providing the daily wine rations given to French soldiers. [1] In 1962, Algeria gained its independence from France, bringing about an end to the blending of the stronger Algerian red wine to mask the thin le gros rouge. This event, coupled with French consumers moving away from cheap red wines in the 1970s, has contributed to several decades of surplus wine production in France, with Languedoc as the largest contributor to the European "wine lake" and recurring European Union subsidies aimed at reducing production. These developments prompted many Languedoc producers to start refocusing on higher quality, [5] but has also led to many local and regional protests, including violent ones from the infamous Comité Régional d'Action Viticole (CRAV).

Despite the general reputation as a mass producer and a consensus that the region is in the midst of an economic crisis, parts of the Languedoc wine industry are experiencing commercial success due to outside investment and an increased focus on quality. Sales have been improved by many vineyards that concentrate on creating a good brand name rather than relying on the sometimes infamous regional designations. Some vineyards have adopted the youngest batch of AOC classifications developed in the late 1990s, while other vineyards eschew designated blends entirely and are instead shifting toward bottling single varietal wines, a practice increasingly demanded by consumers in the large New World wine market. [6]

Languedoc-Roussillon Region Languedoc-Roussillon map.png
Languedoc-Roussillon Region

Climate and geography

The Languedoc-Roussillon region shares many terrain and climate characteristics with the neighboring regions of Southern Rhône and Provence. The region stretches 150 miles (240 km) from the Banyuls AOC at the Spanish border and Pyrenees in the west, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to the river Rhône and Provence in the east. [2] The northern boundaries of the region sit on the Massif Central with the Cévennes mountain ranges and valleys dominating the area. Many vineyards are located along the river Hérault. [7]

Vineyard near Forques, with Pyrenees in the distance Vinepyrennees2.jpg
Vineyard near Forques, with Pyrenees in the distance

Vineyards in the Languedoc are generally planted along the coastal plains of the Mediterranean while those in the Roussillon are to be found in the narrow valleys around the Pyrenees. The peak growing season (between May and August) is very dry and the majority of annual rainfall occurs during the winter. In the Languedoc, the plains area is the most arid and hottest region of France. [4] The region's Mediterranean climate is very conducive to growing a large amount of a wide variety of grapes, with vintners in the area excelling in mass production. The average annual temperature is 57 °F (14 °C). The tramontane inland wind from the northwest often accentuates the dry climate; drought is the most common threat to vine production, with French AOC and European Union regulation prohibiting the use of irrigation. [8] In December 2006, the French government responded to global warming concerns and relaxed some of the irrigation regulations. [9]

In 1999 severe weather had damaging effects on the wine producing industry, including hailstorms in May that affected Roussillon and a rain surge in mid November that saw a year's worth of rain fall in 36 hours in the areas of Corbières and Minervois in the western Languedoc. [8]

The composition of soil in the Languedoc varies from the chalk, limestone and gravel based soils inland to more alluvial soils near the coast. Some of the more highly rated vineyards are laid on top of ancient riverbed stones similar to those of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. [10]

Appellations

A Chardonnay from the Pays d'Oc. French chard from pay d'oc.jpg
A Chardonnay from the Pays d'Oc.

The five best known appellations in the Languedoc include Languedoc AOC (formerly known as the Coteaux du Languedoc), Corbières AOC, Faugères, Minervois AOC, and Saint-Chinian AOCs. The vast majority of Languedoc wines are produced by wine cooperatives which number more than 500. [11] However, the appellation system in the region is undergoing considerable changes with both new appellations being created and existing ones changing. One recent change is that the Coteaux du Languedoc has changed name to Languedoc and been extended to include also the Roussillon. [12]

Within the larger Languedoc AOC appellations are several sub-districts, or Cru's, with distinct wine styles of their own. Some of these sub-districts have pending AOC applications to become appellations in their own right and some have been granted sub-appellations to the umbrella appellation Languedoc AOC. These include the Quatourze, La Clape, Montpeyroux, St. Saturnin, Picpoul de Pinet, Terrasses du Larzac, and Pic St.-Loup. [13]

The boundary of the eastern Languedoc with the Southern Rhône Valley wine region was moved slightly in 2004, with the result that Costières de Nîmes AOC is now a Rhône appellation rather than a Languedoc one. In that year, INAO moved the responsibility for oversight of this appellation's wine to the regional committee of the Rhône valley. [14] Local producers of Côtes du Rhône-styled wines made from Syrah and Grenache lobbied for this change since the local winemaking traditions did not coincide with administrative borders, and presumably due to the greater prestige of Rhône wines in the marketplace. Such changes of borders between wine regions are very rare, so out of habit, Costières de Nîmes remains listed as a Languedoc wine in many publications.

Grapes

Syrah is a principal grape in many Languedoc red blends Shiraz Grapes.jpg
Syrah is a principal grape in many Languedoc red blends

The Languedoc-Roussillon area is home to numerous grape varieties, including many international varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon blanc, and Chardonnay. The traditional Rhône grapes of Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah, and Viognier are also prominent. [15]

Chardonnay is a major white grape, used in the Vin de Pays d'Oc and the sparkling Crémant de Limoux. Others include Chenin blanc and Mauzac, which is also the principal grape in the sparkling Blanquette de Limoux. The sweet fortified wines of the Muscat de Frontignan and Muscat de St-Jean Minervois regions are made with the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grapes. In the Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC, fortified wines are made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes.

Among the reds, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, and Mourvedre are major grapes of the Corbières, Faugères, Fitou, and Minervois AOCs. Cinsault is also commonly used in rosé production along with Lladoner Pelut, Piquepoul noir, Terret noir, and Grenache. Grenache is also the main grape used in the fortified wines of the Banyuls and Rivesaltes region. Some of the oldest vines in France are Carignan grapes. Winemakers often use carbonic maceration to soften the tannins. [16]

Other varieties that can be found include Roussanne, Marsanne, Vermentino, Bourboulenc, Clairette blanche, Grenache blanc, Grenache gris, Piquepoul blanc, Piquepoul gris, and Macabeo. [15]

Wines and taxonomy

Two wines from the Languedoc. The bottle on the left is an AOC classification wine from the Costieres de Nimes and the bottle on the right is a Vins de Pays labeled with the grapes used to produce the wine Languedoc wines.jpg
Two wines from the Languedoc. The bottle on the left is an AOC classification wine from the Costières de Nîmes and the bottle on the right is a Vins de Pays labeled with the grapes used to produce the wine

Wines from the Languedoc can carry an enormous number of names, ranging from broad regional designations like Vin de Pays d'Oc to very specific geographical classifications with restrictions on grape variety, like Corbières and Minervois. Since the 1990s, the INAO has been creating smaller AOC classifications which take into account the intricate microclimates and soil variations in the Languedoc-Roussillon. Younger appellations like the Cabardes and subregions like Minervois la Livinière, Corbières-Boutenac and St-Chinian-Berlou are much smaller in scope. [17] While these new appellations have been praised for consistently improving their product, others have criticized the additions for further complicating an already esoteric system of classification.

The majority of wine produced in the Languedoc are labeled vin ordinaire . There is also sizable production of Vins Doux Naturels . [18]

Vins de Pays

The introduction of the vins de pays, a classification produced under less stringent regulations than those of an AOC, opened up the Languedoc wine industry to the labeling of varietal wines and the blending of international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay. [5] Examples include Vin de pays d'Oc, Vin de pays d'Aude, Vin de pays de l'Hérault, and Vin de Pays du Gard. Winemakers such as Guy Anderson, Thierry Boudinaud and E. & J. Gallo Winery capitalized on this new horizon, producing wines like Fat Bastard and Red Bicyclette. [19]

Vins Doux Naturels

Vins Doux Naturels are "naturally sweet" wines that have been fortified with brandy to stop fermentation, leaving residual sugar to add sweetness to the wine. The majority of Languedoc sweet white wines are made with a variety of Muscat grapes. The red fortified wines of the Banyuls are made from Grenache grapes, normally have an alcohol level between 16 and 17% and carry residual sugars in the 8 to 12% range. [20]

In Banyuls, winemakers use various methods to "bake" their wines to encourage deep raisin colors. Some winemakers utilize a solera system of transporting the wine among different size barrels of various ages that are left out in the sun to warm. Others will put the wine in large glass jars to expose it to direct sunlight. In addition to the dark color, the resulting wines often have a nutty, rancid taste called rancio. In the Banyuls Grand Cru AOC the wine is required to be aged in wood barrels for two and a half years. [21]

Crémant de Limoux

A Blanquette de Limoux from the Languedoc Blanquette de Limoux.jpg
A Blanquette de Limoux from the Languedoc

The crémant produced in the Languedoc is made according to the Méthode Traditionnelle – formerly known as méthode champenoise – the same method used to produce Champagne. Méthode Traditionnelle includes a second fermentation in the bottle to encapture the carbon dioxide produced by the yeast. Languedoc crémant is produced in the small villages around the town of Limoux. The wines are normally composed of 70% Mauzac and a 30% combination of Chardonnay and Chenin blanc. AOC regulations require a year of aging on the lees. The Blanquette de Limoux, when labelled méthode ancestrale, is composed entirely of Mauzac, undergoes only one fermentation, and is aged approximately three months less on the lees before the bottling, the actual date being determined by the moon's cycle. [22]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viognier</span> Variety of grape used to make white wine

Viognier is a white wine grape variety. It is the only permitted grape for the French wine Condrieu in the Rhône Valley. Outside of the Rhône, Viognier can be found in regions of North and South America as well as Australia, New Zealand, the Cape Winelands in South Africa, south Moravia region in Czechia, Israel and in Austria at Weingut Roland Minkowitsch. In some wine regions, the variety is co-fermented with the red wine grape Syrah where it can contribute to the color and aroma of the wine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grenache</span> Red wine grape

Grenache or Garnacha is one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. It ripens late, so it needs hot, dry conditions such as those found in Spain, where the grape is believed originated. It is also grown in the Italian island of Sardinia, the south of France, Australia, and California's Monterey AVA, Paso Robles, and San Joaquin Valley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhône wine</span> Wine region

The Rhône wine region in Southern France is situated in the Rhône valley and produces numerous wines under various Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designations. The region's major appellation in production volume is Côtes du Rhône AOC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Banyuls AOC</span>

Banyuls is a French appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for a fortified apéritif or dessert wine made from old vines cultivated in terraces on the slopes of the Catalan Pyrenees in the Roussillon county of France, bordering, to the south, the Empordà wine region in Catalonia in Spain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Collioure AOC</span> French wine area

Collioure is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for French wines situated around the town of Collioure in the Roussillon wine region of France. Red, rosé and a few white wines are produced-the reds from Grenache noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsaut grapes; the white are made from a blend of Grenache blanc and Grenache gris. The boundaries of the AOC are identical with the Banyuls AOC as many of the grapes grown in Collioure are destined for use in the fortified Vins doux naturels of the region. The grapes that do not get used for Banyuls are then produced as non-fortified still wines under the Collioure AOC.

Côtes du Roussillon is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée for wines made in the Roussillon wine region of France. It is the least selective AOC in the Roussillon region. In 2002, 21,048,500 litres of Côtes du Roussillon were produced, 68% red, 28% rosé and 4% white. Grenache is the dominant variety in Red and Rosé. According to the AOC rules, however, red wines must be made with at least three varieties of grapes. The total of the two main variety grapes should not make more than 90% of the blend, and there must not be more than 60% of Carignan in it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maury AOC</span>

Maury is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for fortified vin doux naturel wines made in the Roussillon wine region of France. Almost all wines are red, made from at least 75% Grenache noir (Garnacha). Other permitted grapes are Grenache blanc, Grenache gris, Macabeu (Macabeo), Malvoisie du Roussillon (Tourbat), Syrah, Muscat and other local varieties. Although the grapes are different, they are used and marketed very much like port. It is made in the communes of Maury, Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Lesquerde, Tautavel and Rasiguères. The AOC was granted in 1936.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rivesaltes AOC</span>

Rivesaltes is an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for naturally sweet, fortified wines. The name refers to both a production region within Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France, and the style of sweet wines produced there.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC</span> French wine appellation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a French wine, an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) located around the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône wine region in southeastern France. It is one of the most renowned appellations of the southern part in the Rhône Valley, and its vineyards are located around Châteauneuf-du-Pape and in neighboring villages, Bédarrides, Courthézon and Sorgues, between Avignon and Orange. They cover slightly more than 3,200 hectares or 7,900 acres (32 km2) and produce over 110,000 hectolitres of wine a year, more wine made in this one area of the southern Rhône than in all of the northern Rhône.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Minervois AOC</span>

Minervois is an AOC in the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region, in the departments of the Aude and of the Herault. Historically, the region's capital has been the village of Minerve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fitou AOC</span> French wine appellation

Fitou is a large French wine appellation in Languedoc-Roussillon, France. The dominant vine variety is Carignan which has to constitute 40% of any blend for that to qualify for the appellation. Grenache, Lladoner Pelut, Mourvèdre and Syrah are often blended with it. Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC, a vin doux naturel, also comes from the region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">French wine</span> Alcoholic beverage made from grapes grown in France

French wine is produced all throughout France, in quantities between 50 and 60 million hectolitres per year, or 7–8 billion bottles. France is one of the largest wine producers in the world, along with Italian, Spanish, and American wine-producing regions. French wine traces its history to the 6th century BCE, with many of France's regions dating their wine-making history to Roman times. The wines produced range from expensive wines sold internationally to modest wines usually only seen within France such as the Margnat wines of the post war period.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains</span> Variety of grape

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is a white wine grape of Greek origin that is a member of the Muscat family of Vitis vinifera. Its name comes from its characteristic small berry size and tight clusters. It is known under a variety of local names such as Moscato bianco, Muscat blanc, Muscat Canelli, Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat de Lunel, Muscat d'Alsace, Muskateller, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Moscatel rosé and Sárgamuskotály.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cabardès AOC</span>

Cabardès is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for red and rosé wine in Languedoc-Roussillon wine region in France. Cabardès was named after the Lords of Cabaret who defended the Châteaux de Lastours against Simon de Montfort in 1209. Despite the name's medieval origins, this appellation is one of the youngest in France, having only become official in February 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Limoux wine</span>

Limoux wine is produced around the city of Limoux in Languedoc in southwestern France. Limoux wine is produced under four Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designations: Blanquette de Limoux, Blanquette méthode ancestrale, Crémant de Limoux and Limoux, the first three of which are sparkling wines and dominate the production around Limoux. The main grape of the region is the Mauzac, locally known as Blanquette, followed by Chardonnay and Chenin blanc. In 2005, the Limoux AOC was created to include red wine production consisting of mostly Merlot. Wine historians believe that the world's first sparkling wine was produced in this region in 1531, by the monks at the abbey in Saint-Hilaire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corbières AOC</span>

Corbières is an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for wine in the Languedoc-Roussillon, France, and it is this region's largest AOC, responsible for 46 per cent of the region's AOC wine production in 2005. Red wine dominates the production in Corbières with almost 95 per cent, with 3.5 per cent rosé wine and 2 per cent white wine making up the balance. Carignan is the most common grape variety. The AOC was created in 1985, covers 13,500 hectares of vineyards and produces an average of 554,000 hectoliters of wine per year, corresponding to 74 million bottles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Costières de Nîmes AOC</span>

Costières de Nîmes is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for wines that are produced in an area between the ancient city of Nîmes and the western Rhône delta, in the French department of the Gard. Formerly part of the Languedoc region of France, as the wines more resemble those of the Rhône valley in character than of the Languedoc, it is now part of the Rhone wine area and administered by the Rhône Wine committee which has its headquarters in Avignon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Provence wine</span> French wine from Provence

Provence (Provençal) wine comes from the French wine-producing region of Provence in southeast France. The Romans called the area provincia nostra, giving the region its name. Just south of the Alps, it was the first Roman province outside Italy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint-Chinian AOC</span>

The Saint-Chinian is a French wine, from the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region of France. It is usually a blend of several grape varieties, and produced in red, rosé, and white versions. Since 1982, the name is protected by an appellation d'origine contrôlée. Its terroir was named after the nearby village of Saint-Chinian.

References

  1. 1 2 K. MacNeil The Wine Bible p. 293 Workman Publishing 2001 ISBN   1-56305-434-5
  2. 1 2 3 K. MacNeil The Wine Bible p. 294 Workman Publishing 2001 ISBN   1-56305-434-5
  3. ↑ K. MacNeil The Wine Bible p. 295 Workman Publishing 2001 ISBN   1-56305-434-5
  4. 1 2 Assorted Editors The Pocket Wine Guide p. 84 Barnes & Noble, 2006 ISBN   0-7607-8029-3
  5. 1 2 3 C. Fallis, editor The Encyclopedic Atlas of Wine p. 205 Global Book Publishing 2006 ISBN   1-74048-050-3
  6. ↑ K. MacNeil The Wine Bible pp. 294–96 Workman Publishing 2001 ISBN   1-56305-434-5
  7. ↑ Kim Marcus Languedoc Wakes Up Archived September 4, 2008, at the Wayback Machine Wine Spectator March 31, 2000
  8. 1 2 C. Fallis, editor The Encyclopedic Atlas of Wine p. 204 Global Book Publishing 2006 ISBN   1-74048-050-3
  9. ↑ Corie Brown Climate change and the world wine map March 2, 2007 Los Angeles Times [ dead link ]
  10. ↑ K. MacNeil The Wine Bible p. 297 Workman Publishing 2001 ISBN   1-56305-434-5
  11. ↑ K. MacNeil The Wine Bible p. 299 Workman Publishing 2001 ISBN   1-56305-434-5
  12. ↑ "BKWine Brief issue nr 46". Archived from the original on May 9, 2007.
  13. ↑ K. MacNeil The Wine Bible p. 300 Workman Publishing 2001 ISBN   1-56305-434-5
  14. ↑ JORF n°177 du 1 août 2004 page 13753 texte n° 25: Arrêté du 19 juillet 2004 relatif à la composition des comités régionaux vins et eaux-de-vie de l'Institut national des appellations d'origine Archived March 9, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  15. 1 2 K. MacNeil The Wine Bible p. 298 Workman Publishing 2001 ISBN   1-56305-434-5
  16. ↑ J. Robinson Jancis Robinson's Wine Course p. 199 Abbeville Press 2003 ISBN   0-7892-0883-0
  17. ↑ R. Joseph French Wine Revised and Updated p. 191 Dorling Kindersley 2005 ISBN   0-7566-1520-8
  18. ↑ H. Johnson & J. Robinson The World Atlas of Wine p. 138 Mitchell Beazley Publishing 2005 ISBN   1-84000-332-4
  19. ↑ G. Taber The Judgment of Paris: California vs France p. 286 Simon & Schuster ISBN   0-7432-4751-5
  20. ↑ K. MacNeil The Wine Bible p. 301 Workman Publishing 2001 ISBN   1-56305-434-5
  21. ↑ J. Robinson Jancis Robinson's Wine Course p. 201 Abbeville Press 2003 ISBN   0-7892-0883-0
  22. ↑ K. MacNeil The Wine Bible p. 302 Workman Publishing 2001 ISBN   1-56305-434-5

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