Languedoc's Domains There are 15 main wine regions (each made up of many domains) in Languedoc Roussillon, South France. The soils and ‘terroirs’ in this huge area are very varied, from Schist, Sandstone, Marl, Gravel, Pebbles, Limestone, to Granit and Alluvial soil; thus making many marvellous and different styles of wine.

Also in this massive area are many different grape varieties, the reds include Carignon, Cinsault, Granache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The whites, Chardonnay, Granache blanc, Picpoul, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermantino, Mauzac, Chenin and Clairette.

- Simon Charles

AREA 1: St Chinian
This area of some 3200 hectares covers 20 communes in Languedoc Roussillon, south France. Its wines have a long and proud history dating back as far as 1300. Carignan, Granache and Cinsault are the most widely planted grape varieties, with Syrah and Mourvèdre becoming more important with increased demand for quality. The soils are Schists in the north and Limestone gravel in the south. There are so many wonderful Domaines and Vineyards to visit, it is difficult to know where to begin but the Cave Co-Operative de Roquebrun and Chateau Veyran with its Romanesque vaulted cellar would make a good start. There is also a well appointed Maison des Vins in St. Chinian which houses a ‘Bacchanalian’ feast of different St. Chinian wines, all with tasting notes and different grape varieties.
AREA 2: Faugères
Faugères covers seven Languedoc Roussillon villages north of Pezenas and Beziers, the vineyards are planted on steep slopes of poorly fertile schist producing a heady purple wine with tannin content and summer fruits.
AREA 3: Clairette du Languedoc
This is a white wine produced by 11 communes on the right bank of the Herault, and has a distinctive almost bitter bouquet. It is sometimes made in a ‘sherry’ style called Rancio.
AREA 4: Coteaux du Languedoc
These Languedoc Roussillon wines are grown in a huge area stretching from Narbonne to Nimes totalling some 168 communes, specialising in red and rosé wines (AOC Coteaux du Languedoc) with 11 special denominations of red and rosé wines, these are: La Clappe, Quatourze, Cabrieres, Montpeyroux, St. Saturnin, Pic St. Loup, St. Georges d’Orques, Les Coteaux de la Méjanelle, St. Drézéry. St. Crystol and Coteaux de Veragues and two good whites from La Clappe and Picpoul de Pinet. All these wines have been grown for centuries.
AREA 5: Blanquette de Limoux
The Monks of St. Hilaire Abbey near Limoux noticed their wine went into a second fermentation – this was in the 16th century and thus Champagne was invented long before Dom Perignon! This sparkling wine is made from the Mauzac grape and the word ‘blanquette’ comes from the white downy appearance of the underside of the vine leaves. Chardonnay and/or Chenin blanc can be added for finesse (Crèmant).
AREA 6: Côte de la Malepère
This is a commune of 31 growers around Carcassonne and Limoux. in the west of Languedoc Roussillon, south France. Influenced by the Atlantic, the wines both red and rosé are full bodied and fruity – blended from Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Grenache.
AREA 7: Cabardès
The wines here come from ‘terroirs’ north of Carcassonne and covers 18 communes. The wines both red and rosé are different in character due to the influence of the Med. and Atlantic in this most westerly region, and should usually be drunk while quite young.
AREA 8: Minervois
This is one of the vineyards in Languedoc Roussillon, south France, consisting of 61 communes divided by the Aude and the Hérault. The vineyards were first planted by the Benedictine Monks in the 8th Century. The whole area is dotted with Romanesque chapels and churches; giving way to enchanting tourist routes such as the famous ancient city of Minerve etc. The wines here are mostly red but with an ever growing proportion of white and rosé. Minervois divides into many geographical and climatic differences, making it difficult to generalise the wine styles, but these tend to be lighter than the Corbière.
AREA 9: Corbière
Produces red, white and rosé wines from a mountain valley area between Lèzignan, Narbonne and Roussillon from some 87 communes. Carignan is the predominant grape variety with Syrah and Mourvédre. This wine is powerful and full bodied.
AREA 10: Fitou
This was the first red wine to receive A.O.C. status in the Languedoc Roussillon in 1948 and covers 9 communes. This red wine has a wonderful deep ruby colour and is matured in casks for approximately 9 months. Dessert wines are also produced here (Muscat, Rievesaltes and Vin Doux).
AREA 11: Côtes de Roussillon / Villages
This is a very exciting area and has been growing vines from the 7th century. It comprises the most southerly vineyards in France and enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The ‘Village’ wines are well worth trying as they tend to be rich and of a high standard. The whites are light and fine – good with sea food etc., the Rosé wines tend to be full bodied and fruity as are the non-village reds.
AREA 12: Banyuls
This small region also covers Cerebère, Port Vendre and Collioure. The vine variety grown are: Grenache Noir, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Fine Port like long lasting reds are produced in steeply terraced vineyards. The rosé wine is rich and aromatic.
AREA 13: Costières de Nîmes
A lovely sunny area reaching into the Carmargue and up to the city of Nîmes, producing good quality red, white and rosé wines at sensible prices. A lot of the wine is grown on smooth pebbles which reflect the heat onto the underside of the grapes, thus ripening them.
AREA 14: Clairette de Bellegarde
This area produces a dry white wine near Nimes grown on red alpine stony soil, this wine needs to be drunk young and has a lovely almondy ripeness.
AREA 15: Muscat de Frontignan
This is one of France’s most highly regarded regions for dessert wines and Muscats. In the 1700’s Chateau d’Yquem studied Frontignan’s methods and modelled its own wine accordingly! Frontignan also makes a very good Vin Doux de Licquer.