Southern France Wines

Southern France’s coastal and southwestern regions, known collectively as Le Midi, are gaining renewed attention due to the ongoing global demand for affordable wines. This region, which includes the areas of Languedoc, Rousillon, and Provence, has long been stigmatized as producing wines of “quantity, not quality,” but that perception is changing as the wines from these regions are improving dramatically.

Languedoc and Rousillon (referred to as Languedoc-Rousillo or just Languedocare) are known for producing vast amounts of mostly red wines, while Provence is famous for its delicious herb-edged dry roses and is also an overlooked source of bold reds. The region’s diverse land and climate, influenced by the Pyrenees mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean’s abundant sunshine, allows for the production of every style of wine.

Wines from France’s southwest have been little-known in the United States, but that is changing. Southern France is home to a variety of wine-producing regions, each with their own unique grape varieties and winemaking styles. Here are some of the most well-known wines from Southern France and the factors that contribute to their unique characteristics:

Bordeaux: Known for its full-bodied red wines, Bordeaux is made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, and for its white wines, mostly made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. The wines from this region are known for their complexity and balance, with notes of dark and red fruits, spices, and vanilla. These wines are known for their high tannins and complex flavors, including black fruit, cedar, and tobacco. Bordeaux wines are grown in an area with a maritime climate, which helps to moderate the temperature and create ideal growing conditions for the grapes.

Languedoc-Roussillon: Languedoc-Roussillon: Known for its red, white, and rosé wines, Languedoc-Roussillon wines are typically blends of various grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and Cinsault. Languedoc-Roussillon wines are known for their full-bodied, complex and elegant flavors, with high alcohol content and a wide range of flavors including dark fruits, spices and garrigue. Languedoc-Roussillon wines are grown on the clay, limestone and schist soils of the region, which give the wine its unique characteristics.

Provence: Provence: Known for its rosé wines, Provence wines are typically blends of Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. Provence wines are known for their light-bodied, floral and crisp flavors, with high acidity and a wide range of flavors including red fruits and herbs. The wines from this region are known for their light body, high acidity and fruity flavors, with notes of strawberries and raspberries. The region’s warm and dry Mediterranean climate and diverse soils contribute to the wine’s distinct characteristics. Provence wines are grown on the limestone, clay and sandy soils of the region, which give the wine its unique characteristics.

Roussillon: Known for its full-bodied red and white wines, Roussillon is made primarily from Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan grapes. These wines are known for their high alcohol content and complex flavors, including black fruit, spices and herbs. Roussillon wines are grown in an area with a Mediterranean climate, which helps to moderate the temperature and create ideal growing conditions for the grapes. The wines from this region are known for their full-bodied and rich flavors, with notes of dark fruits, spices, and garrigue. The region’s warm and dry Mediterranean climate and diverse soils contribute to the wine’s distinct characteristics.