2 anecdotes you may not know about the Languedoc-Roussillon vineyards

After a brief tour of the vineyards of the South-West and Provence, we invite you to explore the Languedoc-Roussillon region through two anecdotes you might not know.

1) The Largest Collection of Grape Varieties in the World is in Montpellier

With a production of 12 million hectoliters per year and a surface area of over 250,000 hectares, the Languedoc-Roussillon vineyard is among the largest in the world. Spanning 4 departments (Aude, Gard, Hérault, and Pyrénées-Orientales), it accounts for more than a third of French wine production. Since 2003, the city of Montpellier even has its own appellation: Grès de Montpellier. This AOC encompasses the vineyards of the Montpellier metropolitan area and its surroundings, stretching from the Mediterranean coast (south) to Pic Saint-Loup (north).

Beyond its impressive size and rich terroir, Languedoc-Roussillon has another unique feature: scientific research dedicated to oenology. The Montpellier metropolitan area represents 50% of global wine research. It boasts a unique vine and wine research center in Europe, housing 250 researchers and oenology engineers. But the most extraordinary aspect is the grapevine collection at the Domaine de Vassal, owned by INRA Montpellier. The 27 hectares of vines at this estate harbor 5,000 to 7,000 grape varieties from around the world, including 600 French varieties. It is the largest grapevine conservatory in the world.

2) Natural Sweet Wine Originated in Languedoc-Roussillon

Have you ever tried natural sweet wine? This wine, made from very ripe grapes (thus rich in sugar), is the result of a process that interrupts the fermentation of the grape must by adding extra wine alcohol, which accounts for its sweet taste. This type of drink, which pairs well with dark chocolate, comes straight from Montpellier. It was not invented by an oenologist (as one might assume) but by a medical student named Jean-Antoine Chaptal. This explains why this type of wine has become one of the flagship specialties of the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region. Among the most famous are Banyuls, Maury, and Rivesaltes.

WANT TO DISCOVER Languedoc-Roussillon WINES? CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION ON AVENUE DES VINS!

FAQ - Languedoc vineyard

Where is the world's largest collection of grape varieties?

At the Domaine de Vassal, near Montpellier, managed by INRA. Its 27 hectares of vines bring together 5,000 to 7,000 grape varieties from around the world, including 600 French ones. It is the largest grapevine conservatory in the world.

Who invented natural sweet wine?

Natural sweet wine is credited to Jean-Antoine Chaptal, not an oenologist but a medical student. The method interrupts the fermentation of the grape must by adding wine alcohol, which preserves the grape's sugar and gives the wine its sweet taste.

What are the best-known natural sweet wines of Languedoc-Roussillon?

The most famous are Banyuls, Maury and Rivesaltes. Made from very ripe grapes rich in sugar, they pair especially well with dark chocolate.

How many departments does the Languedoc-Roussillon vineyard span?

It covers four departments: Aude, Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales. With over 250,000 hectares and 12 million hectoliters a year, it accounts for more than a third of French wine production.

What is the Grès de Montpellier AOC?

Created in 2003, this appellation gathers the vineyards of the Montpellier area and its surroundings. It stretches from the Mediterranean coast in the south to Pic Saint-Loup in the north.