Languedoc-Roussillon
Languedoc-Roussillon was a wine region in southern France, extending from the Mediterranean coast near Nîmes to the Spanish border at the Pyrenees. Long regarded as the country’s largest source of volume wine, it has undergone extensive transformation since the late 20th century, becoming a diverse producer of both everyday wines and high-quality appellations.[1]
Background
Viticulture in the region dates back to Roman settlement, and for centuries it was associated with high-yield production. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Languedoc-Roussillon became the main supplier of inexpensive table wines within France. Overproduction and the so-called “wine lake crisis" of the 1970s highlighted the need for reform.[2]
Since the 1980s, major restructuring has taken place. Large cooperatives shifted towards quality, new appellations were created, and international investment encouraged the planting of both traditional and international grape varieties. Today, the region produces wines across a spectrum of styles, from simple Vin de France bottlings to acclaimed terroir-driven AOCs.
Geography and Climate
The region is defined by its Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and moderate winters, tempered by sea breezes and winds such as the Tramontane. The landscape ranges from coastal plains to inland hills and foothills of the Pyrenees, offering varied terroirs. Soils include limestone, schist, sandstone, and clay, often mixed with alluvial deposits.[3]
Grape Varieties
Traditional southern French varieties dominate, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault for reds, and Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Picpoul for whites. International grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay are also widely planted, reflecting the region’s experimental and flexible approach.[4]
Appellations
The region encompasses a large number of AOCs and IGPs:
- In Languedoc: appellations such as Minervois, Corbières, Pic Saint-Loup, and Faugères.
- In Roussillon: Côtes du Roussillon, Maury, Banyuls, and Rivesaltes, with particular renown for fortified vins doux naturels.[5]
The overarching AOC “Languedoc” serves as a regional designation, while many sub-appellations highlight distinctive terroirs and traditions.
Modern Identity
Since 2016, Languedoc-Roussillon has been administratively merged into the larger Occitanie region, but in wine terms it continues to be recognised as a historic unit of France’s viticultural map. It is now one of the country’s most dynamic areas, balancing mass-market exports with ambitious estates producing wines of growing international reputation.[6]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015 (entries: Languedoc, Roussillon). ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019 (South of France). ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ CIVL, “Discover Languedoc wines”. https://www.languedoc-wines.com
- ↑ INAO, “AOC/IGP in Occitanie”. https://www.inao.gouv.fr
- ↑ CIVR, “Roussillon vineyards”. https://www.roussillon.wine
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015 (entries: Languedoc, Roussillon). ISBN 978-0198705383.