Languedoc

Overview

The Languedoc stretches across the southern coast of France, along the Mediterranean Sea. The combined vineyards of Languedoc are larger than Bordeaux, all of the vineyards in California and 1/3 larger than Australia’s wine land, lending to its nickname the “World’s Largest Vineyard.”
 
Languedoc has a rich, long history, beginning with the Greeks, who introduced the vine in the 5th Century B.C., then developing considerably under the Roman empire. After phylloxera devastated the area in the 1800’s, initial replanted efforts focused on quantity rather than quality.  However, since the 1980’s there have been major restructuring efforts to elevate the quality and acknowledge quality producers. In 2007, the AOC Languedoc Regional Appellation was created covering the entire Languedoc-Roussillon Region. More recently, the CIVL has approved certain areas for Grand Cru status, including: Corbières Boutenac, Minervois La Livinière, Pic Saint Loup, La Clape, and Limoux, among others.
 
There are 11 Languedoc appellations, five of them represent over 91% of the production. They are: Corbières, Côteaux de Languedoc, Minervois, Saint-Chinian and Faugères.

Additional Info

Also permitted in Vin de Pays (in addition to the above) are Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier (white) as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc (red).

Factoid

Languedoc originated as separate language in the 13th Century. In the rest of France, yes was ‘oui’. In the Languedoc region, it was pronounced ‘oc’, hence Languedoc, “the language of oc.” It was considered an anti-establishment language - one of revolt. It is still the most anarchic wine region of France. It also represents some of the greatest value wines in the world.