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Languedoc-Roussillon is a large and diverse wine region in the south of France, covering an area that stretches from Nimes and Montpellier in the east, around the Gulf of Lyon to the Spanish border.
As suggested by the double-barreled name, Languedoc-Roussillon is, in fact, two independent wine regions – Languedoc and Roussillon – each with its own distinguishable style and character. Geography and culture separate them, while commerce and wine politics have enduringly grouped them together. Languedoc is quintessentially French in character, whereas the strong influences of Spanish and Catalan culture are clear across Roussillon. While Languedoc's vineyards are mostly located on coastal plains, those of Roussillon are either perched on cliff tops or nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees. However, the two regions have been treated as a single unit so often – and for such a significant period of wine history – that it is now difficult to divide them.
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LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON |
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SOUTH OF FRANCE
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Michel Laroche Wines
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Michel Laroche had been closely following the evolution of the South of France, since the 1980s. In 1995, be bought Mas la Chevalière, just outside Béziers and planted 45 hectares of prime vineyards. The diversity of soil, climate and grape varieties in this region allow him to produce a wide selection of wines, ranging from refreshing aperitif wines to rich, well-structured reds that can be aged fo 10 years more.
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Chardonnay 2006
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The chardonnay carries a Vin de Pays d'Oc appellation and a tangy acidity that offsets the ripe fruit aromas and flavors, apricot among them. It will fit nicely with shellfish, fin fish or chicken served with butter or cream sauces. For informal dining, consider it as an accompaniment to cold ham, a crab cake or a toasted cheese sandwich.
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www.larochewines.com
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Chateau de Corneilla, Muscat de Rivelsaltes
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Muscat de Rivesaltes is an appellation for the historic vins doux naturels from a relatively large area of Roussillon in southern France, covering a total of 99 communes and the majority of the Pyrenees-Orientales administrative department. It is the largest single sweet-wine appellation in France (along with the Rivesaltes title, which covers the same area).
"The rugged coast of old Catalonia, where France meets Spain and the Pyrenees meet the sea, is the source of this lovely muscat. Heady aromas of sweet, ripe fruits are kissed with notes of honey and wild herbs, making this wine a wonderful addition to holiday celebrations and a perfect companion to everything from savory, piquant cheeses to tarts and custards."
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