AOC Côteaux du Languedoc

In Languedoc, vines have grown on hillsides ever since they were first planted, in rocky ground where water is scarce. Those slopes gave the appellation recognized in 1985 its name. In 2007 it became Languedoc, and the Coteaux du Languedoc name could be used to sell wine only until May 3, 2017.

History of the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc

The AOC Coteaux du Languedoc was a vast appellation located between the edge of the Montagne Noire, the Cévennes, and the Mediterranean Sea. This unique vineyard offers a beautiful mosaic of terroirs and microclimates ideal for viticulture. The AOC Coteaux du Languedoc had a rich viticultural history dating back to Roman times, although it was officially established as an appellation in 1985.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc

• Climate: The climate in Languedoc is Mediterranean, characterized by hot, sunny summers tempered by sea and mountain breezes, allowing for the optimal ripening of grapes.
• Soils: The diversity of soils, ranging from mountain sandstone and schist to gravelly terraces and coastal sands, gives AOC Coteaux du Languedoc wines remarkable richness and complexity.

Grape Varieties of the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc

The appellation offered red, white, and rosé wines made from a variety of grape blends:

• Red and Rosé: Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Aramon, Lledoner Pelut
• White: Clairette, Picpoul, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier

Style of AOC Coteaux du Languedoc Wines

• Red Wine: The reds are distinguished by their deep color and aromas of dark fruits, spices, and garrigue. On the palate, they are typically powerful and well-structured, with silky tannins and a long finish.
• White Wine: The whites have a light yellow color with green reflections. Their nose reveals aromas of white-fleshed fruits (peach), flowers, and citrus. They are fresh, balanced, and often have a pleasant roundness on the palate.
• Rosé Wine: The rosés, often pale and bright, offer delicate aromas of red fruits and flowers. They are fresh, light, and elegant on the palate, with a lively and fruity finish.

Best Food Pairings with AOC Coteaux du Languedoc Wines

Here are some tips for creating the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of wine from a domaine or château in AOC Languedoc (formerly Coteaux du Languedoc):

• Red Wine:
  • Gardianne de taureau (bull stew)
  • Grilled pork
  • Confit lamb shoulder
• Rosé Wine:
  • Tomatoes with mozzarella and basil
  • Stuffed tomatoes
• White Wine:
  • Grilled sea bream
  • Tielles sétoises (seafood pies)
  • Bourride (fish stew)
  • Artichokes à la barigoule

From Coteaux du Languedoc to Languedoc on the Label

From 1985 to 2007, Coteaux du Languedoc was the name of an AOC. Recognized by a decree of December 24, 1985, it was renamed Languedoc by another decree on April 30, 2007. On bottles, though, the old name did not vanish overnight.

A transition period then gave producers ten years: an AOC Languedoc wine from a commune within the former area could still be offered, shipped or sold under the Coteaux du Languedoc name. That grace period ended on May 3, 2017. Since then, the old name can no longer be used to sell wine.

Today, a wine from the appellation carries the name Languedoc on its label, sometimes followed by a geographic designation such as Saint-Saturnin or Saint-Georges-d’Orques, which has its own production rules. Some former Coteaux du Languedoc terroirs, such as La Clape and Terrasses du Larzac, have earned their own AOC and now put that name on the bottle instead.

Name, Abbeys and Replanting: Your Coteaux du Languedoc Questions

Why was the name Languedoc chosen in 1960 for Coteaux du Languedoc?

In 1960, the name Languedoc was chosen for Coteaux du Languedoc because it called up a winegrowing history more than two thousand years old. The appellation rules note that on these hillsides, the wines often built their reputation around abbeys such as Valmagne. From the 14th century, Montpeyroux belonged to the bishops of Montpellier.

Which grapes were replanted on the Coteaux du Languedoc hillsides after phylloxera?

After phylloxera, most of the renowned vineyards of the future Coteaux du Languedoc replanted Grenache and Mourvèdre from 1951 on. Syrah joined the Carignan and Cinsaut planted in the meantime. This return to the historic vineyard led to the recognition of 19 VDQS areas in the region, mostly from 1951 to 1955.

Where can you buy wine from the former AOC Coteaux du Languedoc direct from the winemaker?

You can buy wine from the former AOC Coteaux du Languedoc direct from the producer on Avenue des Vins. Each wine’s page lists the vintage and the bottle size.

See also: AOC Terrasses du Larzac - AOC Languedoc-Pézenas - AOC La Clape