Languedoc is big and it’s varied, which means there is a lot to learn to fully understand the region. We couldn’t possibly understand all of Languedoc’s appellations by tasting only four wines, but four wines can provide an introduction to the region that prompts further exploration. And each of these wines provides a short cut to its sub-region. We received these wines as tasting samples.
Lots of Sunshine, Varied Growing Conditions, Many Grape Varieties
Languedoc lies in Southern France along the Mediterranean Sea and stretches from Nîmes to the Pyrenees. More than 90,000 acres are planted to vines, about as much as Sonoma County and Napa Valley combined.
Red wines comprise the majority (59%) of wine production in Languedoc, white wines make up 21% and rosé 20%. Sweet wines and sparkling wines are also made here. 26 main grape varieties are used in winemaking.
The weather in Languedoc is generally warm during the growing season and sunny, with more than 300 sunny days per year. Generally warm, dry weather with ample wind makes organic farming practical in Languedoc and adjoining Roussillon. According to CIVL (Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc) 33% of France’s organic vineyards are located here and there is a regional commitment to HVE certification. Biodynamic farming practices are also increasing.
Languedoc AOP is the umbrella appellation under which all of the the sub-regional AOPs, village-designated AOPs, sweet wine AOPs and sparkling wine AOPs stand.
Taste by Zones
The coastal plains enjoy warm summer weather and mild, wet winters thanks to the moderating affect of the Mediterranean Sea. Indigenous grape varieties include Piquepoul, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Muscat.
2020 Domaine Reine Juliette, Picpoul de Pinet — medium golden with generous aromas of ripe pears, bruised apples and citrus. Ripe pear and pineapple flavors predominate supported by stone fruit, gravelly minerality and citrusy acidity. Flavors are concentrated and lively with a bit of roundness. 13% abv. SRP $13
The flavors are so complex and layered with surprisingly roundness and generous fruit flavors. The vineyard is planted in terres rouges, red soil characteristic to the area, and has a very low yield. Domaine Reine Juliette is one of very few Picpoul de Pinets that is estate bottled. This is one to look for.
Picpoul de Pinet may be made only from Piquepoul Blanc. The appellation rises above the Etang de Thau, the largest of a series of lagoons along the Mediterranean in the Languedoc, where vineyards are planted from near sea level up into the mountains to an elevation just over 300 feet above sea level.
Fun Fact: You will always be able to identify Picpoul de Pinet on a wine shelf by its distinctive tall, slender, green bottle, the embossed ring of waves just below the capsule and the Occitan cross below that.
The inland, western part of Languedoc enjoys influences from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The climate here is cooler and moist making it the perfect location for sparkling wines. Both red and white wines are made here. Main grape varieties include: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mauzac, Malbec (Côt), Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay.
Limoux AOP is best known for its sparkling wines, though both still red and white wines are also made here. Limoux is home to Abbaye de Saint-Hilaire, where sparkling wines were first made in 1544!
2020 Gérard Bertrand Heritage An 825 Brut Rosé, Crémant de Limoux — delicate salmon-pink with generous bubbles and toasty, citrus aromas. Flavors include yellow apples, mixed berries, earth and citrusy acidity with creamy bubbles. 12% abv. SRP $23
This crémant is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 25% Chenin Blanc, 15% Pinot Noir. Crémant is always made using the same method as in Champagne — the second, bubble-inducing fermentation happens in the bottle — but in authorized French regions other than Champagne. The wine spends a minimum of 12 months aging on the lees before disgorgement.
Once you have explored Crémant de Limoux, look for Limoux Blanquette de Limoux and Limoux Méthode Ancestral. You will discover history in your glass.
Inland from the coastal plains are the hills and mountains. Winters are colder here, but summer temperatures are quite warm. Higher elevations and volcanic soils lend minerality and depth to wines made with Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and others.
2019 Maison Lorgeril Château de Ciffre, Saint-Chinian — medium ruby with aromas of plums, dark fruit and earth. Flavors include blackberries, dried herbs, black olives, leather and earth in a medium body. Tannins are fine and drying. 14% abv. SRP $22
The blend is 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah. The flavor profile begins with Grenache then Syrah flavors linger on the palate. The blend includes Carignan in some vintages. Vines are farmed organically.
80% of wine production in Saint-Chinian AOP is red, 15% rosé, 5% white. White wines were only recently authorized in 2005.
Soils are a jumble of schist and limestone in Saint-Chinian and the terrain quite steep. To the northwest where schist predominates, two crus have been designated: Saint-Chinian Berlou and Saint-Chinian Roquebrun. The wines are described as “quite charming, fine, intense but without excess muscle or exuberance.”
2015 Château de Lancyre Vieilles Vignes, Pic Saint Loup — medium ruby-garnet with aromas of raspberries, dried cherries and roses. Flavors include boysenberries, blackberries, cherries and earth in a medium body. Tannins are very fine and drying. 14% abv. SRP $21
This blend of 65% Syrah and 35% Grenache sourced from old vines, average age 30 years, is aging beautifully and still tastes quite fresh with lovely fruit flavors.
Many soil types are pieced together in Pic Saint Loup where the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures during the growing season is great. Vineyards share the hillsides with olive trees, forest and scrubland. 90% of wine production is red and 10% rosé.
I hope this range of Languedoc wines encourages you to explore the region further. There is a wine for every meal in this outstanding group of wines and they are so affordable.
Thanks to CIVL (Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc) for providing background information including all maps in this post and to Gregory + Vine for organizing our tasting.
Cheers!
