The Best Languedoc Wines

The Languedoc (pronounced “long-dock”) region lies in southern France next to the Mediterranean Sea. This perpetually sunny wine region (as in 320 days of sunshine a year) is the largest in the country containing about 25% of the total vineyard land (and 30% of France’s organic agriculture).

80% of the production here is red — mostly Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan. However, you’ll also find excellent rosé (Provence quality at a lower price), whites made from the Picpoul grape (along with varieties like Bourboulenc, Clairette, Muscat, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Vermentino) and even sparkling wine. In fact, Limoux in the southwest of the Languedoc is the original home of sparkling wine even predating Champagne and offers great value.

With 30 different appellations in the region each is influenced in varying degrees by the mountains, the sea, the sun and the wind. In addition, local regulations allow for a good degree of experimentation which enables winemakers to be creative. This means that there is tremendous variety in the types of styles of wines grown here. Add in the fact that most have a price point of $25 or less and it’s easy to see why imports to the US have grown by 194% (in volume) from 2009-2015!

Read on for our list of The Best Languedoc Wines!