AOC/AOP Côteaux du Languedoc

Appellation area

L’appellation Coteaux du Languedoc a été remplacée en Mai 2007 par l’AOC Languedoc qui s’étend le long du littoral méditerranéen, depuis la frontière espagnole jusqu’à Nîmes, en s’appuyant sur les contreforts de la Montagne Noire et les Cévennes.

Geology

Very diverse constituted of Limestone Mountains and slate soils with also gravelly soil due to rivers of Languedoc.

Climate

The characteristic of this Mediterranean climate, common to the entire appellation is marked by a hot and dry season which is tempered by the relief. The diversity and the specificities of the different regions have allowed the definition of major climatic zones.

Grapes

Principal grapes for the red and the rosé: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (50% minimum and 20% minimum Syrah Mourvèdre) Cinsault et Carignan. For the Pic St Loup: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre (90 % minimum). For the Clape and the Grés de Montpellier: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre (70% minimum).

Cépages principaux pour le blanc: Grenache, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Piquepoul, Roussanne, Marsanne et Rolle (70% minimum), viognier(10% maximum), Pour le Picpoul de Pinet (100% Pinquepoul).

Vinification

Red: traditional fermentation carbonic maceration
Rosé: by saignée
White: direct pressing

Description

Lands: Terroir de Boutenac

Key figures (Average over 3 years)

10 000 ha classed
2 000 producers
80 cooperative wineries
450 particular wineries

Average yield

47 hl (78% red, 10% rosé, 12% white)

Sales

General Distribution: 72 000 hl (22%)
Export: 145 500 hl (43%)
Storehouse outputs (60%)