The largest wine growing region in France and even in the world! This region used to have the reputation of being a very bulk oriented production area, yet the terroir of the region is very diverse and is divided into countless different appellations. The region splits itself up into the larger region of the Languedoc and the smaller region of Roussillon. Even though the two regions are always said in one breath, there is a remarkable difference between the two. Not only in the use of different grape varieties, but also in the difference of terroir, microclimates and vinification techniques.
Due to the large size of this region, soil types will differ from each sub-region to the next. Also, the climate will be very different throughout the region. Of course, we have a strong mediterranean climate with great influences of the Mediterranean sea but being close to the Pyrenees and different other mountain ranges, we find continental climates as well. The utter western regions will find influence of the Atlantic Ocean.
Appellation system of Languedoc-Roussillon
In order to fully understand the appellation system in this region, we need to split it up between the larger region of the Languedoc and the smaller region of the Roussillon. However, we do see the same levels of quality and origin arising:
- IGP d’Oc: the main base level for all wines coming from this area
- Regional appellations
- Languedoc
- Languedoc – with village name
- Côtes du Roussillon
- Côtes du Roussillon Villages
- Côtes du Roussillon Villages- with village name
- Sub-regional appellations
- Village designated appellations
AOP’s of Languedoc:
The regional appellations get split up into the most regional as in AOP Languedoc and then into the appellations with AOP Languedoc or Coteaux du Languedoc followed by the name of the village.
- Languedoc Carbrières
- Languedoc Grès de Montpellier
- Languedoc La Mejanelle
- Languedoc Montpeyroux
- Languedoc Pézénas
- Languedoc Quatorze
- Languedoc Saint-Georges d’Orques
- Languedoc Sommières
- Languedoc Saint Saturnin
From here on different sub-regional appellations are distinct. These areas are defined by specific weather conditions, resulting in different micro-climates. On top of that, specific types of soil and geographical patterns sets them apart from regional appellations as well. Important to know is that these regions exist alongside the regional appellations and get distinguished by their own unique characteristics.
When you click on the regions highlighted in pink, you will find deeper information about each region.
- Clairette du Languedoc
- Picpoul de Pinet
- Cabardès
- Terrasses du Larzac
- Limoux
- Saint-Chinian
- Malepère
- Corbières
- Minervois
More specific appellations emerge as well, with village designated AOP’s. These revolve around a certain point and do not contain more than ten villages surrounding it.
- Fougères
- Minervois la Livenière
- Fitou
- Corbières Boutenac
- La Clape
AOP’s of Roussillon:
Entering the region of the Roussillon, the city of Perpignan in particular, you feel a shift in atmosphere. From the south of France, you feel like you are entering the gateway to Spain. We have now reached the region of French Catalonia. Having influences of both France and Spain, the region has however developed its own identity. The Pyrenees in the south, the Mediterranean to the east, rivers floating in from other mountain ranges from the west, these meteorological conditions create a different style of wines, with a focus on Vin Doux Naturels.
The appellation system follows a similar sequence to that of the Languedoc:
- IGP Pyrénées-Orientales
- Regional Côtes du Roussillon
- Regional Côtes du Roussillon Villages
- Côtes du Roussillon Villages- with village names: Caramanay, Lesquerde, Latour de France, Tautavel, Les Aspres
- AOP Coullioure
- AOP Vin Doux Naturels: Maury, Banyuls, Banyuls Grand Cru, Rivesaltes, Muscat de Rivesaltes
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