Languedoc

Appellation named after the town of the same name in the Languedoc wine-growing region in France, located between the Minervois district (to the east) and Faugères (to the west). The wine has been famous since the 14th century, and in the 19th century it was administered to hospital patients in Paris to strengthen them. The vineyard area totals 3.000 hectares in 20 communes in the département Hérault. Red wines and rosés are blends made from a minimum of 60% Grenache Noir, Lladoner Pelut, Mourvèdre and Syrah, a maximum of 40% Carignan, as well as a maximum of 30% Cinsaut. The area is divided into two sections, the northern section lies at a higher altitude around the communes of Berlou and Roquebrun, with predominantly slate soils that produce wines with a mineral character. In 2005 two new appellations were created here, Saint-Chinian Berlou (minimum of 30% Carignan) and Saint-Chinian Roquebrun which has partially divergent regulations. In the southern section, close to Saint-Chinian, the soils are rich in clay and limestone, and the wines are more full-bodied and mild. The AC Coteaux du Languedoc is used for white wines. Well-known producers include Domaine Borie la Vitarèle, Domaine Canet-Valette, Château Cazal-Viel, Domaine de Fonsalade, Domaine des Jougla, Domaine Navarra, Marquise des Mûres, Mas Champart, Château Maurel Fonsalade, Château Milhau-Lacugue, Château Moulinier, CV du Rieu-Berlou, CV de Roquebrun, Château Val d´Orbieu and Château Viranel.