The
first vineyards of the Languedoc were planted by the Greeks in the 5th century
BC. Viticulture has flourished in the
Languedoc ever since, particularly in the nineteenth century, when it became France's
largest vineyard area. It still claims that honour today, but its profile is
very difficult. Gone are the days of industrial mass production. The Languedoc
of the twenty-first century is a vibrant, innovative wine area, where
everything vinous is possible.
For
the purposes of The wines of Languedoc, the Languedoc stretches from the appellations of
Malepere and Cabardes to the west of Carcassonne as far as Sommieres, to the
east of Montpellier, including better known appellations such as Faugeres, St
Chinian, Minervois and Corbieres, as well as the more recently recognized like Terrasses
du Larzac.
Master of Wine Rosemary George discusses the
recent developments in the region, before covering each appellation, with its
history, geography and terroir. She profiles a personal selection of wine
growers, including some more established names, but focusing above all on the
newcomers, of which there are many, and the potential future stars of the
region.
