Our Languedoc-Roussillon Wines

Between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, Languedoc-Roussillon tells a thousand-year history of wine. Since the first vines planted by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, this sun-drenched region has continuously reinvented itself, evolving from mass production to character-filled wines that today rival the greatest.

Languedoc: Land of Diversity and Innovation

Multiple Terroirs for Wines with Character

Languedoc distinguishes itself through the richness of its terroirs, offering a unique palette of expressions:

• The limestone slopes of Terrasses du Larzac
• The schist soils of Faugères
• The rocky terraces of La Clape
• The volcanic terroirs of Picpoul de Pinet

Emblematic Appellations of Languedoc

• Corbières: Generous reds with hints of garrigue
• Minervois: Tamed power, with notes of spices and black fruits
• Saint-Chinian: Balance between freshness and structure
• Faugères: The mineral expression of schist
• Pic Saint-Loup: The freshness of Languedoc highlands

Roussillon: Between Sea and Mountains

A Unique Terroir

Roussillon benefits from an exceptional microclimate, shaped by:

• The maritime influence of the Mediterranean
• The protection of the Pyrenees
• The Catalan winds that purify the vineyard

Distinctive Appellations

• Collioure: Character-filled reds and elegant rosés
• Maury Sec: The power of black schist soils
• Côtes du Roussillon Villages: The expression of hillside terroirs
• Banyuls: The great oxidative natural sweet wine
• Côtes Catalanes IGP: Modern wines with a mediterranean accent

Natural Sweet Wines: A Unique Heritage

A Centuries-Old Tradition

VDNs (Vin Doux Naturel) constitute a precious heritage of Roussillon, produced according to the mutage method:

• Stopping fermentation by adding wine alcohol
• Preserving the natural sugars of the grape
• Traditional aging in oxidative or non-oxidative environments

Different Styles

1. White VDNs
2. Red VDNs

Perfect Pairings

• Muscat de Rivesaltes: Fruit desserts, foie gras
• Banyuls: Dark chocolate, red fruit desserts
• Rivesaltes Ambré: Blue cheese, dried fruit desserts

Star Grape Varieties of the Region

Reds

• Grenache Noir: Warmth and fruit
• Syrah: Structure and spices
• Carignan: The historical soul of the region
• Mourvèdre: Power and character

Whites

• Grenache Blanc and Gris: Roundness and finesse
• Picpoul: Marine freshness
• Muscat: For legendary natural sweet wines
• Vermentino: Mediterranean elegance

Regional Food and Wine Pairings

Traditional Pairings

• Picpoul de Pinet with Bouzigues oysters
• Corbières red with cassoulet
• Minervois with Corbières lamb
• Banyuls with chocolate cake

The Future of the Region

Languedoc-Roussillon continues its quest for excellence through:

• Commitment to sustainable viticulture
• Exploration of exceptional terroirs
• Adaptation to climate change
• Valorization of indigenous grape varieties

FAQ

Q: What is the main difference between Languedoc and Roussillon wines?
A: Languedoc primarily produces dry wines with a wide variety of styles, while Roussillon is historically renowned for its natural sweet wines, although it also produces excellent dry wines.

Q: What are the best recent vintages?
A: 2019, 2020 for their balance, 2016-2017 for their concentration and freshness, 2015 as a great vintage for aging.

Q: How should natural sweet wines be served?
A: Muscats at 8-10°C, Banyuls and Maury between 14-16°C for the more complex ones.