Languedoc Wines - by resident expert Rosemary George

As we head into the Vendange (wine harvest), it's timely to consider some of the latest wines on offer. Rosemary George is a longtime fan of Languedoc wines, and has been travelling to the area for many years. Her blog Taste Languedoc regularly recommends some of the best wines in the region - and many are very reasonably priced.

Here's her take on Languedoc wines:

Why the Languedoc? Quite simply, it is without doubt the most exciting and innovative wine region of France. Everything is possible; the appellations may lay down ground rules, but the parallel vins de pays allow for unlimited experimentation, creating a host of new and exciting wines. Over the last twenty years or so this vast vineyard, which stretches from the Spanish border round to the delta of the Rhone has undergone a dramatic transformation, so that the wines have improved out of all recognition.

Pézenas is perfectly positioned as a base to explore the many vineyards. Here's why she chose the area:

... in 2004 we bought a house within easy reach of the towns of Pézenas and Clermont l’Hérault, which gives me a wonderful base for visiting the local wine growers. Our village does not have a particular reputation for its wine, but many of the nearby villages do. We are in very easy reach of Faugères, St. Chinian, some of the highlights of the Coteaux du Languedoc and the new area of Pézenas, as well as the Vin de Pays des Côtes de Thongue, which is one of the more innovative of the numerous vins de pays of the region. 

So if you've planned a trip to Languedoc that will include wine tasting, it's worth checking out her blog for recommendations of lesser known vineyards that make excellent, and reasonably priced wines. You will be spoiled for choice!

Pézenas en Languedoc

Here's a relatively new website focusing on the wines of the "terroir" surrounding Pézenas and many of the local producers, it also has some great information on accommodation and restaurant choices in and around Pézenas town.


http://www.pezenasenlanguedoc.com/en


The actual area referred to as Coteaux de Languedoc - Pézenas is shown on the map below:-

If you are interested in visiting or contacting vineyards, you will find many listed here, as well as links to their website.

http://www.pezenasenlanguedoc.com/en/the-producers/list-of-producers

Another great website showing wine routes and suggested tours can be found at:




http://www.languedoc-wines.com/english/destination_route.asp

with links to particular appellations such as Faugeres.


The Faugere website lists some walks that incorporate the best sights of the region.

http://www.faugeres.com/anglais/randonnee.htm