The Wines of Languedoc-Roussillon

Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the largest and oldest wine regions in France, distinguished by its diversity of unique terroirs. After a period of mass production that tarnished the region's reputation, the Languedoc-Roussillon vineyard has experienced a true renaissance since the 1980s. Explore our guide to discover the vineyards of Languedoc and Roussillon through their history, appellations, grape varieties, and terroirs, and follow our tips to create the best food and wine pairings with Languedoc-Roussillon wines.

The History of Languedoc-Roussillon Wines

Although geographically close, the history of Languedoc and Roussillon is quite distinct.

The History of Languedoc Wines

With the Greeks planting the first vines as early as the 8th century BC, Languedoc is one of the oldest vineyards in France. After a period of growth under the Roman Empire, the vineyard experienced its first troubles during Saracen invasions. Saved by monasteries during the Middle Ages, Languedoc winemakers later benefited from the port of Sète and the Canal du Midi to distribute their wines. With the rise of railways, Languedoc turned to mass production, often blended with Algerian wine. The Languedoc winemakers' revolt in 1907 and the crisis of 1976 pushed authorities to eradicate certain grape varieties and encourage higher-quality production. Since the 1980s, Languedoc has regained its reputation thanks to passionate winemakers' efforts.

The History of Roussillon Wines

Introduced by the Greeks in the 7th century BC and developed throughout the Middle Ages, winemaking is integral to Roussillon. Invented by a Catalan doctor in the 13th century, fortified wines quickly became Roussillon's flagship product. After a period of mass production similar to Languedoc's, Roussillon now prioritizes quality and develops a range of dry wines alongside their traditional sweet wines.

The Climates and Terroirs of Languedoc-Roussillon

The Climate and Terroir of Languedoc

Languedoc has a great variety of soils depending on geographic location, creating a remarkable diversity of wines. The soils include terraces of rolled pebbles, sandstone, marl, limestone, schist, clay, basalt, and sand. The Mediterranean climate predominates, with oceanic influences on the Cabardès and Limoux appellations.

The Climate and Terroir of Roussillon

The soils of Roussillon date from the primary to quaternary eras and include schist, limestone, clay-sand molasses, and gravel terraces. The Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers and heavy rainfall during autumn and spring.

The Different Appellations of Languedoc-Roussillon

The Appellations of Languedoc

For nearly thirty years, Languedoc has worked to identify each terroir and plant new grape varieties, producing a wide range of white, red, rosé, sweet, and sparkling wines. The region has 23 appellations:

• AOP Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale
• AOP Blanquette-de-Limoux
• AOP Cabardès
• AOP Clairette-du-Languedoc
• AOP Corbières
• AOP Corbières-Boutenac
• AOP Crémant-de-Limoux
• AOP Faugères
• AOP Fitou
• AOP La Clape
• AOP Languedoc
• AOP Limoux
• AOP Malepère
• AOP Minervois
• AOP Minervois-La-Livinière
• AOP Muscat-de-Frontignan
• AOP Muscat-de-Lunel
• AOP Muscat-de-Mireval
• AOP Muscat-de-Saint-Jean-de-Minervois
• AOP Pic-Saint-Loup
• AOP Picpoul-de-Pinet
• AOP Saint-Chinian
• AOP Terrasses-du-Larzac

Within the regional appellation AOC Languedoc, 11 vineyards have complementary designations:

• AOC Languedoc Pézénas
• AOC Languedoc Quatourze
• AOC Languedoc Cabrières
• AOC Languedoc La Méjanelle
• AOC Languedoc Grès de Montpellier
• AOC Languedoc Montpeyroux
• AOC Languedoc Saint-Christol
• AOC Languedoc Saint-Drézéry
• AOC Languedoc Saint-Georges-d’Orques
• AOC Languedoc Saint-Saturnin
• AOC Languedoc Sommières

Languedoc also offers wines under IGP (IGP Mont Baudile, IGP Hauterive, etc.), with IGP Pays d’Oc being the most common.

The Appellations of Roussillon

Roussillon includes 9 appellations:

• AOP Banyuls
• AOP Banyuls Grand Cru
• AOP Collioure
• AOP Côtes du Roussillon
• AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages
• AOP Maury
• AOP Maury Sec
• AOP Muscat-de-Rivesaltes
• AOP Rivesaltes

In the AOC Côtes-du-Roussillon Villages, 4 towns have specific designations:

• AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Caramany
• AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde
• AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel
• AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour-de-France

Roussillon also has two IGP designations: IGP Côtes Catalanes and IGP Côte Vermeille.

The Signature Grape Varieties of Languedoc-Roussillon

Languedoc and Roussillon use a wide range of grape varieties. Mediterranean varieties like grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, caladoc, cinsault, marselan, alicante bouschet and carignan are used in red and rosé wines, while white varieties such as grenache blanc, bourboulenc, macabeu, clairette, terret blanc, roussanne, muscat de hambourg, and vermentino create distinctively southern white wines.

Grenache

Originally from Spain, grenache is often blended in southern wines, particularly in the AOC Banyuls, Maury, and Rivesaltes, where it develops intense notes of red and black fruit jams, chocolate, spices, and walnut when vinified in an oxidative style.

Carignan

Originally associated with mass production, carignan, when grown with care and low yields, offers aromas of laurel, pepper, and leather. In blends, it brings a wild, spicy touch to the more fruit-forward varieties like grenache and cinsault.

Macabeu

Grown on both sides of the Pyrenees, macabeu is versatile. In dry whites, it has aromas of white fruits, anise, and flowers, while in sweet wines like AOC Rivesaltes ambré, it brings flavors of dried fruits, caramel, and coffee.

Languedoc-Roussillon Wines: Best Food and Wine Pairings

Languedoc-Roussillon Wines with an Appetizer

For a local pairing, start with an AOP Picpoul de Pinet blanc to accompany Bouzigues oysters. Its citrus notes, floral character, and minerality enhance the oysters’ briny flavors. For a piperade, try a fresh, fruity AOC Coteaux Languedoc rosé with a delicately spiced finish.

Languedoc-Roussillon Wines with a Main Course

For a grilled rib of beef, enjoy a fine vintage AOC Terrasses du Larzac red. Its complex notes of thyme, licorice, and cocoa, along with velvety tannins, perfectly complement any grilled red meat. If you prefer grilled fish, a AOP Côtes-du-Roussillon blanc will charm you with its aromas of white fruits, vineyard peaches, and a hint of toastiness that enhances the flavors of grilled fish.

Languedoc-Roussillon Wines with Dessert

When pairing with chocolate desserts, AOC Banyuls is a perfect choice. For a Black Forest cake, a AOC Banyuls Rouge Rimage with its red fruit, chocolate, and sweet spice notes will harmonize with the cake's cherry and dark chocolate. For fruit salad or apple tart, choose a bottle of AOC Blanquette-de-Limoux Méthode Ancestrale. Low in alcohol and sugar, this wine will elevate your dessert with its reinette apple, mirabelle plum notes, and fine bubbles.

With its uniquely varied wines and unbeatable value, Languedoc-Roussillon is a region to explore. On Avenue des vins, each wine is carefully selected, and our bottles are available for home delivery, direct from the winery or estate of your choice. Whether you choose a wine from Languedoc, Roussillon, or any other region in France, discover our best-priced bottles delivered right to your door!