Languedoc region
Use the links below to find out more about the Languedoc region of France:
Other regions
Wines from the Languedoc region
Languedoc-Roussillon region produces mainly red wines, a good share is "Vin de Table" but most of it is "Vin de Pays". They are perfect as every day wines. For the last few years significant efforts have been made to improve the quality of the wine. Today, Languedoc Roussillon has a lot to offer to any wine lovers in the world.
Corbières
Corbières is one of the largest wine appellation in France. To distinguish the wines, Corbières is divided into 11 terroirs such as Sigean, Lézignan, Boutenac and Lagrasse.
The "terroirs" produce mainly red wines. The grape variety is Carignan for about 50%. More and more wine are made in oak barrels. It demonstrates the path taken towards quality by wine makers in Corbières for about a century.
Red wines are rich and, spicy, full body and fruity. Although competing now with Coteaux du Languedoc and Saint Chinian, Corbières wines still offer good value.
Fitou
Fitou is one of the oldest vineyard in Languedoc Roussillon. Greeks were the first to grow vines. Romans improved the wines. Fitou has always been famous. It was one of the most important wines during Louis the XIV reign.
Most fitou are red.
They are dark, powerful and meaty red wine. They should mature at least 2 years before tasting.
However Fitou vineyards close to the Mediterranean sea are medium red wine, more elegant and supple.
Minervois
Minervois name comes from the village of Minerve, a historical place in the region. Minervois is just North of Corbières.
The first vines were introduced by roman legionaries. Wine was already famous at that time. Cicero and Pline were among Minervois lovers.
Minervois wines are mostly red. They are full body red wine. Well structured and elegant when young, quite tannic and silky after 2 or 3 years in a cellar.
White wines are dry and lively.
Rosé wines should be drunk young. They are round and fruity.
Costières de Nimes
The appellation was previously called Costières du Gard before changing its name to Costières de Nimes in 1989. The vineyards cover the area between Nimes and the Petit Rhône, one of the rivers of the delta rim in Camargue. At the point where Languedoc meets Rhône.
However Costières de Nimes is quite different from any appellation. First of all, because of the uniqueness of Camargue region. The soil is made there of round pebbles. Costières de Nimes predominantly produces red and rosé wine from Carignan grapes primarily and Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and other typical Languedoc grape varieties.
Costières de Nimes wines are usually fruity. Reds are rich, closer to Rhône wines than Languedoc. Rosé are light and dry, traditionally well balanced and delicate.