Roussillon
Roussillon is a wine region in southern France, located in the eastern Pyrenees near the border with Spain. It forms part of the administrative region of Occitanie but is distinct from neighbouring Languedoc in terms of geography, climate, and tradition. Roussillon is noted both for its dry red wines and for its historic production of fortified vins doux naturels.[1]
Background
Viticulture in Roussillon dates back to antiquity, with the Phoenicians and later the Romans establishing vineyards along the Mediterranean coast. The region’s history has been shaped by its position between France and Spain, reflected in the prevalence of Iberian grape varieties such as Grenache and Carignan.[2]
Today, Roussillon covers around 20,000 hectares of vineyards, much of it cultivated on terraced slopes and schist soils in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Its Mediterranean climate is among the driest and sunniest in France, favouring both high-quality red wines and naturally sweet wines.[3]
Characteristics
The region’s vineyards are dominated by Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, Carignan, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, often grown as bush vines. Wines are typically rich, deeply coloured, and high in alcohol, with old vines contributing concentration and complexity. White wines, though less common, are made from Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, and Vermentino.[4]
Appellations
Roussillon includes several appellations recognised by the INAO, covering both dry and fortified wines:
- Côtes du Roussillon and Côtes du Roussillon Villages – the main dry red appellations.
- Collioure – coastal vineyards producing structured reds and whites.
- Maury, Banyuls, and Rivesaltes – appellations famed for vins doux naturels, made by mutage (fortification) of must.[5]
Role in Winemaking
Roussillon’s fortified wines, especially Banyuls and Maury, have a long reputation as classic pairings for chocolate and desserts. In recent decades, dry red wines from Côtes du Roussillon Villages and Collioure have gained international recognition for their intensity and expression of Mediterranean terroir.[6]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine (entry: Roussillon), Oxford University Press, 2015. ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Stevenson, The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, 5th ed., DK, 2011. ISBN 978-0756686840.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019 (South of France). ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon (CIVR), “Roussillon wines”. https://www.roussillon.wine
- ↑ INAO, “Appellations du Roussillon”. https://www.inao.gouv.fr
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.