Côtes du Roussillon

From the hills of Corbières to the Pyrénées mountains, Roussillon is the sunniest region in France. The climate, the history and the traditions of Roussillon make it more similar to Spain than to Languedoc. This is maybe the reason why Roussillon wines are still fighting to find an identity.

Carignan is the most important grape variety in Roussillon. A local grape called Lladoner Pelut is also used along with Cinsault, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Red wines are generally spicy and medium body. Rosé are fruity. White wines are made with Macabeu and local Malvoisie. They are the perfect match with local sea food products.

Côtes du Roussillon Villages label is granted to 25 villages along the Agly river, just south of Corbières. Côtes de Roussillon Villages produces only red wine. They are stronger than the Roussillon and express the most of their sunny terroir.

Grand Roussillon is an appellation for sweet wine from 89 Roussillon villages. The appellation is not including the sweet wines from Banyuls, Rivesaltes, Maury and Collioure which deserve each of them their own appellation. Roussillon is without doubt an interesting region for both red and white sweet wine. The grapes usually used are Muscat blanc, Muscat romain and Grenache for sweet white wine, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Lista for sweet red wine.
 

Languedoc-Roussillon: The Wines & Winemakers by Paul Strang, Jason Shenai (Photographer) The Wines and Winemakers is the first book to explore the terroir, traditions, wine-making practices, laws, and, most importantly, the wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon. Click here !