Stretching along France’s Mediterranean coast from Provence toward the Spanish border, Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the country’s largest and most diverse wine-growing regions. Its warm, sunny climate, varied soils, and mix of coastal plains, hills, and mountains allow an impressive range of grapes and wine styles to thrive.
Red wines dominate much of the region, with familiar Mediterranean varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault playing important roles. Depending on where and how they are grown, these grapes can produce everything from bright, peppery, fruit-forward wines to rich, earthy, structured blends.
The region also offers plenty to explore on the white side. Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Picpoul, Macabeu, and Vermentino are among the grapes found here, producing wines that can range from crisp and refreshing to fuller, more aromatic styles. And closer to the Spanish border in Roussillon, Grenache also plays a starring role in the region’s historic fortified sweet wines.
With so many grapes, appellations, and styles packed into one corner of southern France, Languedoc-Roussillon should give us plenty to talk about — and, more importantly, plenty to taste.
Languedoc-Roussillon
Date: Saturday, September 12, 7:00 pm
Hosted by: Tom and Barb Gravel, 1242 Cimarron Blvd., West Fargo
$25 members, $35 guests*
*non-member guests may attend up to three wine tasting events. After that, we ask that you join the Red River Valley chapter of the American Wine Society. You won’t regret it!
Next on the AWS Tasting lineup: October 10 – Brunello and Rosso hosted by Michael and Clara Maddox