The South of France is calling, and we’ve got a selection of wines from no less than 37 different appellations and IGPs, featuring estates such as Clos des Fées, Gauby, Montcalmès, Roc des Anges, Les Aurelles, and Mas Amiel.
A vast region with some big names
The Languedoc-Roussillon’s viticultural history dates back to the Roman era, although its development took a while. Since the 1980s, though, the advances in quality made there have made it one of the most promising and dynamic regions of our time.
Together, Languedoc and Roussillon cover a lot of ground, literally, with over 200,000 hectares of vines planted. Facing towards the Mediterranean Sea, the vineyards stretch across a whole multitude of terroirs, and the southern vignerons choose to plant a range of grape varieties, both native to the region and from elsewhere. In terms of red grapes, we mainly find Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, whilst Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, and Grenache Blanc are used to make the region’s whites. Unsurprisingly, considering the size of the place, the local climates vary considerably, with some enjoying freshness from the sea, strong winds, and a certain amount of altitude.
In our selection, you’ll find 375 different Languedoc-Roussillon wines this time. Some of the new vintages available and worth noting include:
- 2019 Coteaux-du-Languedoc from Domaine du Montcalmès: a Languedoc must-have, a singular and streamlined cuvée with silky tannins and good potential for ageing.
- 2020 IGP Côtes-Catalanes vieilles vignes from Hervé Bizeul’s Clos des Fées: a Grenache Blanc cuvée made from vines over 100 years old! It’s rich and ample with a good boost of power, a gorgeous example of the Mediterranean style.
- 2019 Faugères from Domaine Léon Barral: a magnificent introduction to a renowned estate and an up-and-coming appellation.
The Languedoc-Roussillon has estates that make wines you should try at least once in your life (if you consider yourself a connoisseur, that is!). Domaine Gauby, for example, crafts 21 different wines! If you’re a fan of white cuvées, we’d recommend the Coume-Gineste, for example, which is undoubtedly one of the best whites in the South of France. It’s beautifully aromatic on the nose, with a pure, crystalline palate and a welcome mineral touch. This wine will give you a good idea of what this domain does best.
Fans of the Cinsault grape will be thrilled by the elegant notes of strawberry and cherry that emanate from a glass of Haut-de-Carol’s, a cuvée crafted by the prestigious Domaine de la Terrasse d’Elise. This is a domain that produces very small quantities of top quality wine that has a fine and fresh profile.
Among the other wines that deserve your attention are the Coteaux-du-Languedoc Aurel from Domaine Les Aurelles, the Pic-Saint-Loup Les Métaires from Clos Marie, the Trigone cuvée from Domaine Le Soula, and Costa Caoude from Domaine Mas Haut-Buis.
You’ll find the full Languedoc-Roussillon selection here
