French Wine Buying Guide for Languedoc
Buying guide for Languedoc: The Most Value Driven Region of France.
Like its Mediterranean neighbor Rhône Valley, Languedoc wine history can be traced back in time to 600 BC. The Greeks planted vines then, but since Languedoc was a busy cross road for invasion and looting, many civilizations succeeded one after another and farmed these lands. This brought a remarkable spectrum of grape varietals, which naturally mutated by cross pollination, and were exported to other part of Europe. Even more interesting, between the 4th century up to the middle of the 18th century, Languedoc reputation was of a high quality wine producer region: St Chinian, Fauzieres, Fitou were acclaimed villages with prestigious terroirs. Unfortunately, the industrial revolution in the mid-18th century brought a turn for the worst and mass produced, poorly made wine loaded the market. Branded like a bad apple until 20 years ago, and for good reason, the eldest of French wine regions has been building back up its fame, focusing on quality over quantity, while respecting their terroirs. Beside the renewal of their farming philosophy, their other extraordinary perk lies in the massive array of grapes selection: they can grow any Bordeaux (Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet-Franc, Merlot and Sauvignon-Blanc), Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and many other), Bourgogne (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and most of the Loire Valley varietals (Chenin Blanc included). A terrific region, with a long term massive potential, where any wine lover could find their satisfaction.
Along the way, on the border of its neighbor region Côtes du Rhône, in Uzès, Domaine de la Tour de Gatigne produces all grape varietals, from single varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Viognier, to blend of Grenache Syrah Mourvedre (GSM) for their reds and rose. The value is impeccable, especially for wine produced under sustainable and organic standards. Each styles incarnates the Mediterranean version of these varietals, which include a mix of ripened fruits and minerals from the shore. The most affordable wine in our selection.