Languedoc-Roussillon

The Languedoc-Roussillon region extends from the North-East of the Pyrenees to the Rhine river delta, also known as the Midi. It is the largest wine region in France but also the one that has the prerequisite to hold almost 70% of the Vin de Table of France. The climate is affected by the Mediterranean and the influence of two winds; the Mistral that is cold and dry, and Marin, hot and humid. The plains in the plain and in the valleys are of alluvial origin, while those in the hills are shrubby. The Languedoc-Roussillon panorama is based on red grape vines such as Mouvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, while among the white berries we find Chardonany, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Vermentino and various varieties types of Muscat. The Languedoc can be divided into Western and Eastern. In the western area, which has a wilder vineyard on a rugged terrain, we find Appelation of Corbières and Minervois, where 98% of the production is red wine, but also excellent rosé and Bourboulene, Macabèo and Grenache Blanc. The red wines of Corbières have spicy and fruity scents with a soft and creamy taste, while the whites are dry and extremely clean. Other appellations are those of Fitou and Limoux, the latter famous for its sparkling wine produced by the ancestral method. The Ancestral Methode Blanquette is obtained from Mauzac grapes and is sweet and exquisite. The Roussillon is located in the westernmost area south of the Pyrenees. An impervious and wild area with a cold climate except in the south where the warmer climate allows the vineyards to grow mainly of Grenache, red berries and white berries. More than half of all Vin Doux Naturel in France are produced in this appellation. The Rivesaltes is brick-colored with flavor of cherries and a dry and tannic finish. There are also several Appellations where Muscat-based sweet wines are produced; Muscat De Frontignan, Muscat De Lunel, Muscat De Mireval, Muscat De Rivesaltes and Muscat de St.-Jean-de-Minervois. One of the most famous appellations is Rivesaltes where grapes are cultivated like Black, White and Gray Grenache and Muscat at Petit Grains. The red wines that are obtained have cherry and chocolate hints with a nice tannin texture while the whites are soft and oxidized. But the most famous wine is the Banyuls, a Vin Douce naturelle. The Banyuls is obtained from old Grenache Noir vines cultivated in the bush on steep dark brown shades, and Grenache gris, Blanc, Macabèo, Tourbat and Muscat can be added to Petit grains. Banyuls has an intense ruby ​​red color with cherry and cherry scents, and after 20 years can develop a complexity of great charm. It can be also vinified in white and rosé. Among the best producers we find: Domaine de l'Angle, Domaine de Mas Blanc, Domaine de Rozes, Domaine d'Aupilhac and Cazes Frères.