Top Tastes: The White Wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon

First published: December 24, 2014 by France Today Editors

What’s so exciting about the Languedoc-Roussillon is that it’s one of the most ancient wine regions and yet also among the most modern and forward-thinking.

Beset by heat and drought, appellation changes and a non-deserved reputation as being the mainstay of mass-market ‘plonk’, the region has picked itself up and re-branded itself into a modern example of adaption and flexibility, all without compromising the uniqueness of its personable, indigenous grape varieties and stunning, rugged terroirs. Here are a few samples:

2012 Domaine des Trinités, Roussanne, IGP Pays d’Oc

Crisp and clean with an enticing, weighty palate. It has a richness that comes from the extracts and the soil, not the alcohol.

2012 La Vigneau Reserve Chardonnay, Maurel Vedeau, IGP Pays d’Oc

A clean, fresh and unoaked Chardonnay packed with flavour.

2012 Laurent Miquel, Vérité Viognier, IGP Pays d’Oc

A tight, not overly- oral style – focused and sophisticated.

2013 Château le Devoy Martine, Via Secreta, AOC Lirac

A fresh, serious and very grown-up blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Roussanne

2012 Domaine Cathares, Melhorier, AOC Limoux

Beautifully balanced, vibrant and mineral chardonnay.

2012 Domaine Modat, De Ci De La, AOC Côtes de Roussillon

A blend of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Bris, and Maccabeu. Playful and personable.