| Languedoc Wines- an overview | | | | By: miki bowditch |  Page 1 of 2 next >> |
The Aude is the cradle of winemaking in the Languedoc. Vines were first planted near Narbonne by the Romans in 118 AD and viticulture flourished in the expanding Roman colony. Today the vine is by the most important crop in the Aude and it influences not only the landscape but also the economics and politics of the region. The region contains Languedoc wines under the following AOC’s: Minervois,Corbieres,Fitou, La Clape,Cabardes,Malpere and Limoux.
Although co-operatives still dominate production, there are many excellent private producers. Some of them are long established but many come from families who have been grape growers for generations but have only recently decided to ‘go it alone’ and make their own wine. The younger generation of winemakers have often gone to wine school and broadened their knowledge further by working elsewhere and have brought home their expertise and fresh ideas. Other wine producers have come from other parts of France or abroad, attracted by the extraordinary beauty of the region and its potential to make great wine. All these producers share a common goal – to make good wine and express the unique terroir for Languedoc wines.
Vine varieties are similar to those throughout the Mediterranean south. Carignan and Grenache are the most widely grown but Syrah and Mouvedre are increasingly planted, the latter performing well near the coast. Cinsault is also popular for rosé wine as well as forming part of the blend for many reds. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Malbec make vin de pays wines throughout the Aude and are permitted in the appellations surrounding Carcassonne. White wines are a minority but can be excellent and are made from Grenache Blanc, marsanne, roussanne and bourboulenc and vermentino while Vin de Pays whites are made from all the main international varieties chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, voignier.
The varied topography and climate in the Aude has given rise to a huge diversity of wine styles, from stylish sparkling wine from Limoux to brooding, spicy reds from Corbières and Fitou. Nearest the coast is the unfortuntately named but beautiful La Clape massif which separates Narbonne from the Mediterranean. This is the driest wine region in the Languedoc and so the vineyards are naturally low yielding and the sea breezes and altitude combine to give the wines a freshness and a fine structure which sets them apart. The wines are designated Coteaux du Languedoc and producers of note are Chateau la Roquette, Domaine Pech-Redon, Chateau de la Negly and the impressive Domaine L’Hospitalet in La Clape.
The most extensive and varied wine region in the Aude is the Corbières which stretches all the way from the coastal plain by Narbonne to the Mont d’ Alaric, overlooking Carcassonne and south to Mont Tauch and the foothills of the Pyrenèes. The wine legislators have officially divided this vast region into 11 different sub-regions to reflect the diversity of terroir. Corbières wines comes in all colours but is predominantly red and styles vary from fruity, rustic wines from based on Carignan for everyday drinking to deep flavoured, herby wines of real class and ageing potential. There are over 400 producers in Corbières. Voulte Gasparets, Mansenoble, Domaine de Lastours, Domaine de Grand Gres are just a few of many worth mentioning and the Cooperative at Castelmaure is the best co-op in the Languedoc.
Nestled in 2 distinct areas in the south of Corbières, is Fitou which has the distinction of being the first table wine region in the Languedoc to be awarded an appellation in 1948. The terrain here is rugged and mountainous and the wines almost exclusively red, made from Carignan and Grenache with some Syrah and Mourvedre. The wines are warm, spicy and herby with the Mount Tauch co-operative and Domaine Bertrand-Bergé particularly good producers.
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