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  Quaffers® Feature - November 2003
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| Languedoc - France's New World |
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 Situated in the south of France, Languedoc produces some of the best value and biggest volume of wines in France. It is often styled as France's New World because its climate, experimentation in winemaking techniques, and more relaxed regulations allow vignerons to produce New World-style wines. Over 250,000 hectares are under vine, which is over a third of the total land under vine in France and three times the size of vineyard area of Australia. Only 10% of France's AC wines come from here, however, as the region still produces a vast amount of Vin de Pays and Vin de Table wines. The area covers three main départements: Aude, Hèrault and Gard and the most important ACs include Corbiéres, Fitou, Costiéres de Nîmes, Minervois, Coteaux de Langudeoc and Limoux. In recent years the area has been enjoying a renaissance. It is now producing excellent quality and exciting wines at competitive prices and gaining followers from around the world.
The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate; that is hot summers, mild winters and early springs. Rainfall can be low, although there have been years of torrential rain and flooding which have devastated the vineyard areas. The cold Mistral wind, which blows from the north, has a drying effect and this means that the vines are often free of disease. The climate means that 90% of wines produced in this area are red. Many of the vines are planted on low-lying flat land, though the top AC vineyard areas tend to be further inland and on higher, sloping ground.
Most of the red wines are made from a small selection of common grapes found in this region namely Mourvédre, Carignan, Grenache and Cinsault. Syrah is quickly becoming more and more important here too and there is a fair amount of Cabernet Sauvignon joining the blends. White grapes tend to be Marsanne and Roussanne, as well as Clairette and Ugni Blanc.
Corbiéres
This is the largest AC of the Languedoc. Lying to the west and south-west of Narbonne, approximately 23,000 hectares are under vine producing dense, herby red wines from Carignan, Syrah and the other red varieties.
Fitou
Fitou gained its AC status in 1948. It is a small region of only 2,500 hectares and comprises just nine villages. Only red wines are produced, but these tend to be heavy and powerful as they are generally aged in barrel for 18 months or more. Carignan and Grenache are the main varieties used, although there is growing use of Syrah and Mourvédre.
Minervois
Just inland from Corbiéres, Minervois produces both reds and whites in 5,000 hectares. Many of the wines are blends of the traditional varieties with Syrah incorporated for finesse.
Coteaux de Languedoc
Almost this entire area between Nîmes and Narbonne was awarded its AC status in 1985. The wines are labelled with the name of the cru or just Coteaux de Languedoc. Approximately 6,700 hectares produce red, white and rosé wines.
Costiéres de Nîmes
This is the furthest east of the Langedoc ACs, lying just to the west of the Rhône. The region produces light, fruity reds mainly from Syrah and Mourvédre and some white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne.
Limoux
This is an AC mainly for sparkling wine made in the traditional method and often from the Mauzac grape, with Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay also in the blend. Some dessrt wine is also produced here.
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