Definition: Languedoc-Roussillon

This crescent-shaped vineyard stretches from the Rhône delta to the Spanish border. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The vines are planted on the plains, on fertile alluvial soil, and on the hillsides, on calcareous schist. A wide variety of grape varieties make up this vineyard.

The appellations of Languedoc:

Coteaux du Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet, St-Chinian, Faugères, Minervois, Fitou, Corbières, Muscat de St-Jean-de-Minervois and Muscat-de-Lunel.

The appellations of Roussillon:

Côtes-du-Roussillon, Côtes-du-Roussillon-villages, Collioure, Banyuls, Banyuls grand cru, Rivesaltes, Muscat de Rivesaltes and Maury.

Some terms specific to wines from the region:

Vintage: naturally sweet wine aged in the bottle. It develops notes of black or red fruit and has a non-oxidative style.

Vin doux naturel: a term found on Muscat, Banyuls, Maury and Rivesaltes wines, indicating that the wine has been fortified. A certain proportion of residual sugar has been preserved by blocking its transformation into alcohol during fermentation through the addition of neutral alcohol.