What is France’s oldest wine region, dating back to the fifth century, B.C.? And what is its largest, with more than 800,000 acres under vine, producing about 2 billion bottles a year?
It’s not Bordeaux or Burgundy or the Rhone. Stretching along the Mediterranean coast, from the Pyrenees to the Rhone delta, the largest area of vineyards in France — and the world — is Languedoc-Roussillon.
So, why isn’t this giant of the wine world as well known as those other regions? The answer is simple: Until recently, most of the wine produced there was very ordinary table wine. Plentiful land and the warm Mediterranean sun is the perfect formula for growing large quantities of low quality grapes.
A Little History
The Greeks first planted vines there around 600 B.C. As with many other wine regions in France, the cultivation of grapes was further developed and spread to other areas by the Romans. From the fourth century to the early 19th century, the Languedoc had a reputation for the production of high quality wine.
The Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century opened up the market for mass-produced, low-quality wines. The building of the railroad at the end of the that century made it easy to get the wines of Southern France to workers in the north.
By the 1970s, French wine consumers were moving away from cheap wines and sales collapsed. This forced growers and winemakers in Languedoc-Roussillon to move to the production of lower quantities of higher quality wine. The elevation of many of the areas in the region to AC and Vin de Pays (categories in the French system for ensuring quality wines) in the 1990s led to the planting of classic grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Today, there are still wine growers in the area producing large quantities of unimpressive, bulk wines. However, many producers in the region, as well as producers from other countries, are committed to making wines in Languedoc-Roussillon that compete on the world market.
What’s in It for Us?
The combination of limestone soil, the reliable Mediterranean climate, international investment and the renewed commitment to quality have resulted in some really great wines. Through innovation and experimentation in the vineyards and in the wineries, many intense, fruit forward wines are being produced in response to consumer tastes for products of this style.
Best of all, market forces are keeping the prices very reasonable, making the wines of Languedoc-Roussillon worth the search. Most are red blends, but there are many tasty whites to choose from as well. This is definitely an area to watch with each new vintage.
A Few to Try
The 2007 Chateau de Flaugergues Cuvee Sommelier Rouge, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre, is a powerful, balanced red with aromas of red berries on the nose and flavors of dark cherries, milk chocolate and mocha. Priced in the upper teens, this wine is big enough to pair with a grilled steak.
The 2008 Chateau Haut Vignals Corbieres Rouge is a blend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. It has aromas of blackberries, cherries and toasty oak on the nose with flavors of blackberries and cocoa with a hint of almonds. Priced around $12, this is a great wine with beef or lamb stews.
For a white, try the crisp 2010 Terre de Neptune Picpoul de Pinet, with citrus, peach and floral on the nose with flavors of lime, peach and a little bit of honey. Priced at around $10, pair this wine with all kinds of white fish dishes as well as shrimp, scallops and oysters.
There are more wines from Languedoc-Roussillon in your favorite store than you might think. They may not have well-known, brand names, but you’ll get some great wine at a great price.
Sam Audia has 15 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry. He holds a Certification Diploma from the Sommelier Society of America and an Advanced Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. He can be reached at sippingwithsam@verizon.net.
