La Campagne Merlot

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON REGION OF FRANCE

Together, these two vast Mediterranean areas have been the hotbed of experimentation and innovation for French wines. 

In the west lies the smaller of the two appellations, Roussillon. This region, which borders Spain to the south alongside the shared Pyrenees, and with the sea to the east, is vastly different to its Languedoc neighbour. There is a lot of sunshine in Roussillon making some of the vineyards are very dry and hot so unsurprisingly, Grenache is a variety that thrives here, being a variety (much like Rioja) that likes hot and arid conditions. 

Roussillon is especially famous for Vin Doux Naturels and of these, Rivesaltes, Maury and Banyuls are the best known. Of these three, Banyuls is held in highest esteem, but all three focus on Grenache for its production. Light wines from the Banuyls area are called Collioure, again made from Grenache but with plenty of Syrah and Mourvèdre added in the mix too. Côtes de Roussillon wine is made with Carignan, Cinsault as well as Syrah and Mourvedrè whereas the appellation known as Côtes de Roussillon Villages is a step up from the previous designation and the even more superior (and recent) again, Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres.

Moving east and we come to the Languedoc, which is split into several significant sub-regions according to the different climatic and geographical influences, the reds of Minervois, Corbières and Fitou are seen as good quality and good value for money too. Meanwhile Limoux is a region gaining ground for its value for money fizz made from the varieties Mauzac, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.

Moving east again, until the Languedoc meets the Rhône river, the Côteaux du Languedoc is responsible is a hugely important appellation as too are St Chinian, Faugères, Clairette de Languedoc and Picpoul de Pinet - all of which are worth trying.