Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region

What is Languedoc-Roussillon famous for? For wine enthusiasts on a budget, Languedoc-Roussillon is a great value wine region. So what do you need to know about the Languedoc (“LONG-eh-DOCK”) to get great wine?

What Is Languedoc-Roussillon Famous For?

• Caving & camping
• Beautiful French-Roman villages
• The Pyrenees
• Epic driving roads & tunnels

And, of course, great wine.

Here is a helpful (and inspiring) guide outlined by a Languedoc-Roussillon local, Julien Vaché. Learn what types of wines to look for and, if you visit, where you should travel for a wine-country vacation.

Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Guide

Major Types of Wine

It’s all about blends. In Languedoc, vineyards are often called ‘patchwork’ because so many different grape varieties grow together. Most producers make blends instead of single-varietal wines. Red blends from Languedoc-Roussillon tend to be more full-bodied and fruit-driven.
 

Need a recommendation? Look below.

Red Wine

Rich full-bodied red wines with Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and Mourvèdre as major components.

White Wine

Unoaked zesty white wines made mostly with Picpoul and Grenache Blanc. Step aside Pinot Grigio.

Rosé Wine

Same varieties in reds and whites, but pink by design.

Sparkling Wine

Crémant de Limoux is supposedly older than Champagne; and a super value.

Sweet Wine

From white sweet wines of Muscat to Maury, a red fortified wine made of Grenache that lasts up to 100 years.

Languedoc Roussillon Wine Region Map

“The rules running each Appellation are archaic, obscure, political and not adapted to modern winemaking and marketing…the region’s most famous winemakers do not bother with them.” –Julien Vaché

Major Wine Regions in Languedoc-Roussillon

During the 1970s, Languedoc-Roussillon was guilty of overproducing cheap jug wine. Old Grenache vineyards were ripped out and replaced with high-yield grape varieties such as Carignan. Since then, Languedoc-Roussillon has slowly been recovering its status as a quality producer by reducing yields and going back to blending in more Grenache.

Saint-Chinian

Located in the middle of Languedoc-Roussillon. A great many readily available wines of Saint-Chinian use lighter varieties such as Carignan, Grenache, and Cinsault.

Faugères

Located very close to Saint-Chinian. Faugères is in the hills off the coast with a high percentage of schist soils; perfect for aromatic reds such as Grenache.

Picpoul de Pinet

A white wine appellation produced with the regional zesty white wine variety, Picpoul. Perfect with oysters.

Corbières

Fruity and juicy red wines use Carignan, Syrah, and Grenache. Think easygoing, like a mid-week Merlot.

Limoux and Blanquette de Limoux

Fantastic value-driven sparkling wines made in the same style as Champagne.

Languedoc-Roussillon Winery Map

“I will simply highlight here some of my favourite “terroirs” and, within each, my favourite domains.” –Julien Vaché

View The Best Wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon in a larger map.

Local Wine Expert

Julien Vaché is a wine lover and enthusiast. Born in the Languedoc, he is also a fan of the Bordeaux and Côtes du Rhône regions.
He infrequently blogs about travel, food, and wine on Quora.