LANGUEDOC

A land of renowned Appellations -

The names conjure up sun-baked hillsides, dried-up riverbeds and dry stone terraces, perfumed with the scents of the sea and the wild scrubland, known as the "garrigue".  Man has tamed Nature and worked the land to produce both stunning landscapes and wonderful wines which convey the prevailing winds and the rich local flavours that embody the Languedoc.  Wines which have the accent of the dominant winds, with expressive flavours, which are deliciously local, wines which express the Languedoc.

A land rich in history -

Present-day Languedoc was forged by great upheavals in its history.  Greeks, Romans, the Benedictine monks and the Cathars have all made a lasting impressing, building the strong identity of Languedoc civilisation layer by layer.

A remarkable region -

There's an air of greatness permeating the Languedoc which has been shaped not just by its illustrious past, but also by the light, the wind and the Mediterranean.  Castle, cathedrals and rocky outcrops all rise majestically to the skies.  Roads wander on endlessly, the land stretches out and undulates forever, and there is a rebellious spirit in the air which is captured in the local language, the Langue d'Oc.  This grandeur is the source of the Languedoc's identity and originality, expressed to eloquently through its wines.

A sensory delight -

The Languedoc region is deliciously seasoned - saffron, bay leaves, a touch of aniseed, a note of thyme, a hint of juniper - all these wild aromas mingle throughout the different appellations over the length and breadth of the Languedoc vineyard.

COTEAUX DE LANGUEDOC

White, Red and Rosé wines

Grape Varieties -

Syrah is the main red grape variety , which is blended with traditional Mediterranean varieties such as Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and increasingly Mouvèdre.  White grape varieties used are Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache blanc Bouboulenc, Picquepoul and Clairette.

The Vineyard -

Covering over 6,700 hectares between Nimes and Narbonne, this is the most maritime of all Languedoc's appellations (although there are a few more inland terroirs towards the Cévennes).  The wines carry the name of their "cru" (Saint Chinian, Faugères or Clairette de Languedoc) or else the appellation of Coteaux de Languedoc, to which the name of a terroir can sometimes also be added.

The Wines -

Each terrior has its own strong identity, but in all these wines which exude the aromas of the garrigue, there is a suppleness and freshness that give an irresistible moment of pleasure.

SAINT-CHINIAN

White, Red and Rosé wines

Grape Varieties -

for red and roses Syrah, Mouvèdre, Grenache noir, Lladoner Pelut, (60% minimum), Carignan, Cinsault and for whites Grenache (30% minimum), Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino.

The Vineyard -

  at the foot of the Montagne-Noire, on either side of the Orb and Vernazobres rivers with a backdrop of hills called the Monts de Caroux and the Espinouse, Saint-Chinian wines are produced in 20 villages.  The vineyard covers 2,000 hectares surrounded by sublimely colourful, noble and wild countryside.  An inspiringly coloured environment, warm and authentic.

The Wines -

fruits, soft and rich, often full bodied, long on the palate and full of character, some reds are at their best when young while others should be kept for 3 to 5 years before tasting.  Rosés may be thirst quenching or more gastronomical wines, they will suit all occasions, summer or winter.  The whites are best appreciated with refined fish dishes or dry cheeses.

FAUGERES

White, Red and Rosé wines

Grape Varieties -

for reds and rosés Syrah, Grenache, Mouvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault.  For whites Roussanne, Grenache, Marsanne and Vermentino.

The Vineyard -

Faugères forms a balcony (reaching an altitute of 600m at its highest point), backiing onto the Cevennes, overlooking the Languedoc plain and the sea in the far-off distance.  Located to the north of Béziers, this 2,000 hectare terroir undulated over schist ridges.

The Wines -

made using traditional vinification or carbonic maceration, Faugères wines are rounded, full-bodied wines with silky tannins and soft aromas of ripe fruits, liquorice and garrigue.  With time they develop smooth bouquets with hints of leather and flint.  Faugères is a subtle companion for meats and poultry, but the true flavours of the terroir are unleased when accompanied by roast beef or game. 

CLAIRETTE DU LANGUEDOC

White wines

Grape Varieties -

Clairette blanche.

The Vineyard -

the smallest and one of the oldest of the Languedoc appellations, it is located on the middle slopes of the Herault valley.

The Wines -

one could say that the wines of Clairette have always existed.  They were first mentioned by Pliny the Elder and later Rabelais, and were enjoyed by the poet Ronsard.  Clairette de Languedoc wines may be enjoyed young or left to age and exist in both sweet and dry vintages.The sweet Clairette presents dominant notes of honey and peach.  A refined and subtle accompaniment to shellfish, fish cooked in sauce and other seafood.