Regional Spotlight: Languedoc-Roussillon

In a nutshell: Languedoc-Roussillon has the largest vineyard area in France. It produces three times as much wine as Bordeaux and more than the whole of Australia! It's widely regarded for offering great value, organically produced wines. 

Red: Carignan is the real work-horse grape of the region, the key is to look out for old-vine (Vielles Vignes) Carignan, which will be packed full of juicy brambly fruit. Red blends are also widely produced from Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and of course, Carignan.

White: The region is also a great source of zesty whites. Picpoul has become hugely popular and produces a light, citrusy wine with fresh acidity - great with seafood! Grenache Blanc and Clairette are also widely grown. We've recently added a new organic Clairette from Gérard Bertrand which comes in a stunning, natural clay bottle, but just to note that it is a hint off-dry, making it a perfect match for spicy dishes>

Rosé : The region produces more rosé than Provence, but it tends to be a little cheaper. Our Gris Marin rosé from Camargue is a fantastic example of the Provencal style, but without the price tag. That said, the Languedoc is home to one of the world's most expensive rosés, the Clos de Temple Organic Rosé, also from Gérard Bertrand. We've managed to get our hands on a few bottles, but it won't be  here for long!

Sparkling: Last but by no means least are the fabulous sparkling wines from Limoux. Made in the same method as Champagne, but aged for slightly less time, they offer a great value and lighter alternative to Champagne.

Worth trying: Our WSET Wine Educator, Rachael, has picked out a few of her favourite bottles from the region below...and you can save 10% on any of these wines until midnight on Sunday 7th April. Simply enter LDOC10 into the discount box at checkout.


Levre Picpoul de Pinet

Gerard Bertand Art de Vivre Clairette

Gris Marin Rose

Mont Rocher Carignan Vielles Vignes

Mont Rocher Malbec Vielles Vignes

Blanquette de Limoux