Languedoc-Roussillon

The great majority of French IGP wine comes from the South, especially from the umbrella region, IGP de Pays d’Oc, which covers the entire Languedoc-Roussillon. In 2007, the Languedoc AOC was created, which covers the entire Languedoc-Roussillon area from the Spanish border to Nîmes. This new structure gives many growers in the region the opportunity to move up from IGP de Pays d’Oc to AOC status if they use the grapes traditional to the region, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsaut, Carignan, and various white grapes. Red, white, and rosé wines are permitted.

The largest of the traditional AOCs of Languedoc-Roussillon in terms of production is Corbières. Other large AOCs include Minervois and Côtes du Roussillon. All three of these allow red, white, and rosé, but Corbières and Minervois produce mostly red wine, while Côtes du Roussillon focuses on rosé. In addition, Languedoc and Roussillon are noted for vins doux naturels and sweet fortified wines, some made from Muscat, others from a blend based mainly on Grenache. Sparkling wines are produced around the town of Limoux.