Languedoc rosés are vibrant, diverse, and on the rise.
Here are the key facts you need to know about this refreshing wine.
Climate/Terroir: Rosés are made throughout Languedoc, which covers a large swatch of southern France, adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea. The region contains several climate and soil types, but the majority of the region has a Mediterranean climate and clay/limestone soils. This produces wines with ripe fruit flavors but bright acidity and balanced minerality.
Designations: Languedoc rosé is made across all levels of classification, with IGP wines produced in large quantities but AOC-designated regions also producing an increasing amount. The AOCs that are approved for producing rosé wines are:
- AOC Languedoc
- Cabardés
- Corbiéres
- Crémant de Limoux
- Faugéres
- Malepére
- Minervois
- Pic Saint Loup
- Saint Chinian
- Languedoc – Cabriéres
- Languedoc – Saint Saturnin
Varieties: Languedoc rosés are most often a blend of several red varieties that are commonly grown throughout the region. The most common are Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah.
Production: The method of rosé production varies by producer and appellation throughout Languedoc. Direct press and saignée are used equally across the region.
Key statistics about Languedoc rosé:
- Rosé continues to be one of the fastest wine growth categories in the U.S.
- France is the #1 rosé exporter to the U.S., with 51% of the market
- Metro New York City drinks 25% of all imported rosé, with Miami coming in second at 15%
- Demand for French rosé also shows in Languedoc’s figures – AOP Languedoc Red/Rosé imports show roughly 46% vol growth and 57% by value, 2017 vs 2016
- So when looking to bottle his own rosé wine, which region did superstar Bon Jovi look to? You guessed it, Languedoc!
Data: Nielson Reports 2015, 2017, 2018
