Languedoc region
Use the links below to find out more about the Languedoc region of France:
Other regions
Grapes & Winemaking
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.