THE PERFUMES AND WARM WINES OF LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON

Languedoc-Roussillon is a French region that stretches from the North-East of the Pyrenees to the Rhone delta. Known to be the biggest Denomination of France and one where a third of French wine is produced, of which 70% is classified as Vin de Table. The Languedoc is divided into an eastern and a western part. In the eastern area, which extends around the city of Montpellier, the ampelographic panorama is based on vines such as the Mouverdre, the Grenache, the Sirah, the Cinsault, the Viognier, the Roussanne, and the Marsanne. In the western part, where the vineyard is wilder, we find the best and characteristic wines of the district. The main Appellations are that of Corbieres and Minervois where 98% red wine is produced, but also excellent rosés and white wines. In the Appellation of Limoux an excellent sparkling wine is produced using the ancestral method. The Roussillon is located south of the Pyrenees and extends to the Mediterranean Sea. In the southern area, which is warmer, there are cultivars like the Grenache, both red and white. Two famous Appellations are; Rivesaltes, where we find both red and white wines produced with Grenache, Nero, Bianco, and Grigio and especially Muscat with petits grains, and Banyuls, the finest and most refined Vin Douce Naturelle produced with Grenache grapes that come from old vines that they grow to sapling.