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The Greatest Vineyard in the World Between year-round sunshine, rich soil and winds that keep the vines healthy, Languedoc-Roussillon is a promised land for wine. Cradled by the Mediterranean, the Sud de France vineyards spread out in a patchwork of terroirs all the way from the Rhône to the foothills of the Pyrenees, within sight of Spain. Not only great in extent, they have a dazzling history, extending back to the Greeks of Antiquity, a wonderful diversity and richness of soils, climates and grape varieties and extraordinary natural beauty. Today, over 40 wines have achieved AOC status (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée - the label given to an original product from a particular region, whose production methods are clearly defined). The region’s AOC wines include red, rosé and white wines, naturally sweet wines (such as Muscats) and sparkling wines (slightly sparkling crémants and the sparkling blanquettes of Limoux).
The wide range of vins de pays also fully participates in the Region’s wine-making heritage and those wines have come into their own by giving each variety a new dimension. The wines of Languedoc-Roussillon are full bodied. They complement the local food perfectly, providing a contrast to the simple cuisine based on olive oil, vegetables, fish and bread.
Appellations Languedoc-Roussillon grape varietals Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Piquepoul/Picpoul, Syrah. Whites: Bourboulenc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Marsanne, Mauzac, Muscat, Picpoul de Pinet, Roussanne, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier
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