Region Of The Week: Languedoc-Roussillon
Located on the southern coast of France, Languedoc stretches in a crescent shape between Provence and Roussillon. With its Mediterranean climate, Languedoc is an ideal environment for vineyards as grapes thrive in the hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. A region all about blends, many different varietals - like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Picpoul - grow together. Clustered on the western side of Languedoc, Minervois AOP, Corbieres AOP, and Saint Chinian AOP are among some of the most well-known appellations producing high quality wines.
Combined with Roussillon, Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the largest wine growing regions in the world based on acreage. Extending northward from the Spanish border, Roussillon produces about 90% of France’s fortified wines. It is best known for vin doux naturel, a sweet, alcohol-fortified wine whose natural sweetness is from stopping the fermentation process early with the addition of alcohol. Rivesaltes AOP is one of the main appellations that produce fortified ambré (amber), grenat (red), tuilé (tawny), and rosé wines. The fortified wines can range from being single varietal to blends using Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Tourbat, Macabeo, and Muscat. Other grapes that can be found in Roussillon are Marsanne, Roussanne, and Rolle.
