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We’ve all noticed the boom in imports from such value regions as Chile, South Africa, and most notably Argentina (for more on this, be sure to check out our upcoming May feature “The Argentine Tiger”). These countries have been categorized as having excellent wines at a tremendous value, something that almost every wine lover is desperately looking for given the current economic climate. No one wants to sacrifice quality, and finding the best bang for your buck seems to be the wine buyer’s motto these days.
So, when you’re tired of drinking the same Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, South African Pinotage, or Argentinean Malbec, where do you turn to next? The answer, my friends, lies in the largest wine-producing region in the world: Languedoc-Roussillon. With more than one third of France’s total wine production coming from the region, it is truly amazing that more people don’t know about the fantastic and widely varying wines of the Sud de France.
Unfortunately, most people were introduced to the region in the worst way possible: mass produced, poor quality Vin de Pays d’Oc. While there are fantastic selections available carrying the Vin de Pays regional designation, much of what is promoted and widely available in the U.S. comes from larger producers where quality is often sacrificed for quantity. For other smaller, adventurous producers, labeling a wine Vin de Pays affords them the opportunity to create wines using varietals outside of AOC regulations, often including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Merlot (think of wines labeled IGT Toscana, which are often produced within DOCGs but include varietals outside of the appellation’s composition regulations, therefore mandating the use of IGT labeling as opposed to DOCG).
Given the size of the region, it is not surprising that the public has been left in the dark about the area for so long. With 18 controlled origin regions and many other sub-regions and regional designations, it is no wonder that a foray into the Sud de France can seem incredibly daunting and intimidating. Most consumers are not yet aware of the differences between the wines of Cabardès and Faugères, let alone what composition is typical for either.
Education is the key here. It is up to wine “authorities” to help spread the knowledge about the wines of the region; this includes wine publications, retailers, and restaurants. The next time a customer comes in looking for a Rhône Red, let them know that many wines produced in Minervois and Saint-Chinian contain many of the same varietals at a frequently lower cost. When a diner is looking for a wine to compliment their rack of lamb but doesn’t want to pay upwards of $60.00 for yet another generic Pinot Noir, suggest a powerful, herbal Corbières, which frequently run in the area of $15.00 (so think $30.00 in restaurants). And if you’re on your way out to the store looking to try some new things from the Sud de France but want to do a little research first, just type in “Languedoc-Roussillon” on our online buying guide and hit search to see what we’ve tasted lately.
What fantastic values have you found from the Sud de France? Have you discovered a new favorite everyday wine? What recommendations do you have for people looking to give the region a go? I’d love to hear your comments and suggestions.
Filed under: Connoisseurship, Opinions and Commentary, Regions
8 Comments
8 Responses to “The Next Big Thing for Wine?… The Languedoc”
Please Wait
March 9th, 2009 at 10:09:03 AM
Languedoc really is an “new world wine region within the old world” with the benefits of both. I for one would like to see more events and consumer tastings focused on these wines. It hard to find value wines from Europe in this day and age and it’s too bad not more work is being done to promote this part of France.
March 18th, 2009 at 1:21:02 PM
Delighted to read your article. I have wondered how the wines from Languedoc Roussillon fared in the U.S.
I am based in this lovely region for a large part of the year and work closely with the vignerons guiding tours and visits and promoting their wines in the UK – doing our best to spread the word!
I note most of the wines you have available are generally from the larger domains and, whilst a good representation of the region, they do not always reflect the marvellous, refreshing individuality of the small winemaker. There is no greater diversity of wine styles anywhere in the world and, as much as this is exciting, it is also confusing. If there are any queries I could help with I would be more than happy to.
There is a lot of work to be done to raise the profile of this wonderful region for it to gain the recognition it deserves. On 13th April you will have a ‘Maison du Languedoc Roussillon’ opening in New York so keep a look out for any events they may be organising….
April 5th, 2009 at 11:48:41 PM
I’ve been drinking wines from the Languedoc since the early 90s. As a matter of fact my wedding was in the vineyard of Domain d’Aupilhac just outside of Montpeyroux (28 km from Montpellier) with the mayor and many local wine makers helping make it fun. We used tractors from la Grange de Peres to pull hay wagons down to the vineyard site, visited a series of wineries, and had participation of members of the AOC’s Mas de Soporta who helped with wine sourcing and even publicity.
The every other year ViniSud event, held just outside Montpellier is a worthwhile event to attend. Much like VinExpo or VinItaly, the event includes wines and winemakers from any region that touches the Med.
Personally, I’m a fan of of course Aupilhac, but also many others, such as Mas Champart (St. Chinian), Alquier of Faugeres, Mas Julien, Hortus (Pic St. Loup), St. Jean de Bebian and many others. Everything from crisp whites, to dry Roses and of course the complex red wines are a real treat.
The wines can rival Rhone Valley wines, and the lower priced wines (sub $15.00) usually outgun the similar priced wines. The Roussillion, which is farther south also has some stars. Clos de Fees, Domain Gauby, the winemakers such as Dr. Parce, La Tour Vieille, Domaine de la Rectorie, Vaquer, etc. are amazing wines, with teh richness of the region shining through. Some of the whites are as atmospheric as Alsatians, with that ripe dry sweetness, while others are rich and opulent like a white Burgundy.
Both regions are easy to get around, and meals are not overpriced.
Cheers,
Andy Abramson
April 7th, 2009 at 9:13:22 AM
What an amazing coincidence Andy!
It was only last Friday a wine writer friend and I had the privilege of being taken by Sylvain Fadat of Domaine Aupilhac to the very vineyard where you were married. He told us of the marriage he had arranged and today I have found your article here.
Lucky you, what a location – a veritable example of terroir – ‘Les Cocalieres’ is an amphitheatre of vines hidden high in the hillsides and planted in the caldera of an ancient volcano; making some of the best wines of the region – I trust it made for an excellent marriage too – felicitations!
April 7th, 2009 at 9:29:47 AM
Lits,
We refer to Sylvain as “our wedding planner” though i did the sourcing of suppliers. He was truly the Field General….and did an amazing job.
I’m seeing him again next month in SF at the annual Kermit Lynch trade event and looking forward to it. We were just at Aupilhac for three days and had a blast with him and the family that owns La Serviere vinyard (all Cinsault) and our friend Bernard of Mas De Soporta.
We may live over 7000 miles away, but our friends are our friends in Montpeyroux. I’ve known Sylvain for over 12 years now and we are like brothers….it’s amazing. Two people from totally different walks of life, cultures. Brought together due to a common passion. Wine.
I hope you tasted our wedding vineyard vintage. The 2007 wines, both red and white are amazing. Perhaps the best from that vineyard. But I’m biased…
Andy
April 10th, 2009 at 6:21:52 AM
That’s a wonderful story Andy, thanks for sharing it. Wine is a great bond.
You may well be biased on the 2007 vintage, but I think you’re also right – both red and white are excellent and as the vineyard is only just 10 years old perhaps the best is still to come?!
We also visited friends of Sylvain at Villadondona perhaps you have sampled their unblended cuvee of Mouvedre?
Have fun in SF.
Lits
June 10th, 2009 at 10:33:23 PM
Lauren, thanks this article. It’s about time someone recognized the quality and value of this region. One of my favorites is Puech Noble, the Coteaux du Languedoc brand of Cote-Rotie icon Rene Rostaing. The 2005 is excellent, with lots of jammy fruit (from the Grenache) and a finish that includes plenty of white pepper and garrigue. It’s rustic in the very best sense of the word.
July 6th, 2012 at 7:29:17 AM
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