When it comes to the Languedoc-Rousillon region, many people will feel strange. However, the wines of this appellation often appear in wine stores, supermarket shelves, as well as on Taobao and JD.com, because Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine region in France by export volume, and it has won the love of many ordinary consumers at low prices. If you want to buy low-priced, cost-effective wines for everyday drinking, the Wine Encyclopedia tips: don't miss the Languedoc-Lucilon!
1, Languedoc - Luxiron: one large production area, two small independent production areas
Located on the Mediterranean coast of southern France, the Languedoc-Luciron region, as its name suggests, is divided into two independent appellations, the Languedoc and The Lucylon, but the politics and trade of wine combine these two. The Languedoc has a distinctly French character, with vineyards mostly nestled on coastal plains. Luciron, on the other hand, was heavily influenced by Spain, and most of the vineyards were located at the foot of the Pyrenees.
2, Languedoc: French wine deserved old star
The Languedoc is known as the "land of history". France has a long history of wine, and Languedoc is one of the well-deserved oldest stars. Under the impetus of the ancient Romans, the wine-growing region of Gaul expanded from the city of Marseille to other regions such as the Languedoc, and the quality and yield of wine were greatly improved. The Languedoc's unique geographical location allowed the wines it produced to be sold through the Mediterranean to all the territories of the Roman Empire.
3. The world's largest wine-producing area
According to 2005 statistics, the Languedoc-Luciron appellation has 292,000 hectares of vineyards, remaining the world's largest wine-producing region with a total of 30,000 independent winegrowers.
4. Languedoc-Luciron grape variety
Grenache is one of the most widely grown grape varieties in the entire Languedoc-Luciron region, while the other three common red grape varieties are Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan, the first three also known as GMS. In the case of white grape varieties, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the main ones.
5. Grade of Gedoc-Luciron wine
Due to the long wine tradition, diverse natural conditions and wide variety, the Languedoc region produces a wide variety of wines, which are currently mainly produced in the Vins de Pays grade, but the number of AOC grades is also increasing.
(1) AOC wine
Although the production of AOC wines in this region is small, it is also increasing year by year. Currently, the Languedoc appellation AOC is divided into three main levels, from low to high: Languedoc AOC, Languedoc Grands Vins du Languedoc and Grands Cru du Languedoc.
The Losilon is divided into Cotes du Roussillon and Cotes du Roussillon Villages.
(2) Regional sake
Since AOC wines must be made from indigenous grape varieties, wines made from international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc can only be classified as regional dinner wines. The Languedoc-Roussillon region is dominated by regional wines, accounting for 60% of the total number of regional wines in France, most of which are sold under the name Pay D'Oc. The table wines here are characterized by good quality, cheap prices and grape varieties marked on the label. This is largely an imitation of the characteristics of the new world country wines, which makes the wines of this appellation more competitive in the export market.
6. Languedoc-Lechlon wine
(1) Red wine
Red wines are often made with Syrah, Grenache, Belle and Muhoe white grapes. Due to the different composition of the blend grape varieties and the different geographical conditions, it is difficult to describe the red wines as a whole. In general, due to the Mediterranean climate, the red wines here are full-bodied and dominated by tropical fruit. Common and more well-known red wine regions are Minervois, Corbieres, St. Chinian and Faugeres
(2) White wine
In this region, white wine production is low, white wine is not aged in oak barrels, and the body is fresh and lively. However, the methods of making white wines are becoming more sophisticated, and many producers are now experimenting with blends of Clairette, Bourboulenc, Picpoul, Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier. Representative white wine regions include Clairette du Languedoc and Picpoul de Pinet.
(3) Rosé wine
The same varieties are made as red and white wines, with a pinkish color cast and less yield.
(4) Limo sparkling wine
Cremant de Limoux is probably older than Champagne and of exceptional quality. Made from Chardonnay and Shinan Blanc grapes, Limouth sparkling wines have a fresh and lively taste, are keyly very cheap, and have long established a reputation in France.
(5) Natural sweet wine
Roussirong's most famous wine is natural sweet wine (VDN), which is not a completely natural dessert wine, but the grape juice is fermented with alcohol to stop fermentation, which turns into a reinforced dessert wine. The Lucilon appellation produces 90% of france's natural sweet wines.
7. Market performance of Languedoc-Luciron wines
Languedoc-Lechlon wines are becoming increasingly popular in the market, becoming the leading French wine export region in 2013. The wines of the Languedoc-Lechylon region are mainly known for their regional table wines, and their biggest competitive advantage is price. The Languedoc Regional Wine Regulatory Commission (CIVL) said that last year Languedoc wine accounted for about 1/4 of France's total wine exports, but in terms of amount, it accounted for only 10%. In China, where wine is becoming more and more popular, Languedoc-Luxilon wine may become another new star. (Text/Wine Encyclopedia)
About the Author
Liu Xi, senior editor of the Wine Encyclopedia, passed the WSET Advanced Exam with full honors, WSET Diploma is reading, good at combining with current events to spread wine culture, laughter and anger contain wine expertise, personal WeChat: 937321852.
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