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
- White VDNs
- 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
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.
