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Languedoc-Roussillon

Region

South France: The Languedoc runs west from the bottom of the Rhone to the Pyrenees along the Mediterranean coast, and Roussillon continues south from Perpignan to Spain. This vast area is enjoyed a great resurgence after the massive over production and the “wine lake” of the mid to late 20th century. Value for money French wine can be found here along with complex wines that are making names for themselves. The vin de pays category has gone a long way into solving this with many schemes on digging up vines. Vins de Pays allows the growers to make wine from other varieties such Merlot and Cabernet away from their classic varieties of this region which are Carignan, Cinsault, and Grenache. Carignan provides body and weight; Grenache contributes alcohol and color, and Cinsault adds fruit and acidity. This area is predominantly red wine country.
Local white grapes include Bourboulenc, Clairette, Maccabeo, Ugni Blanc, and Picpoul.
The Muscats of Frontignan, Lunel, and Mireval are classic examples of vins doux naturels, wines that have been interrupted during fermentation so they leave sugar making the wine sweet. Banyuls’ vins doux are among the most prized of their type, are often recommended to pair with chocolate desserts, and can be expensive; made from the Grenache grape.

Major appellations: Corbieres, Minervois, the Coteaux de Languedoc, St. Chinan, Faugeres, Picpoul de Pinet and Costieres de Nimes