Wines of Southern France (II)-Languedoc-Roussillon

Let’s look at the other important wine region of Southern France—Languedoc-Roussillon.

Languedoc-Roussillon

This region is situated along the Mediterranean coast to the west of the river Rhone.

Despite its vast area under vine and large production volume of both red and white wines, Languedoc-Roussillon is only responsible for a small percentage of AC wines. Languedoc is the primary region producing Vin de Table and Vin de Pays in France. Because of its approximation to Spain, Roussillon has very similar grape varieties and wine styles to that of Spain.

The highly acidic and tannic Carignan is a crucial variety in Languedoc-Roussilon, which is used to make robust, rustic, simple and bitter red wines sold at a comparatively lower price.

However, the region is not known for producing a particular variety in comparison to regions such as Loir Valley with its Sauvignon Blanc, and Bordeaux, which is known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Wine makers have more freedom to experiment because of fewer rules relating to Appellations; therefore they tend to use grape varieties that are less well-known such as Cinsault, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Rossanne.