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 AOC throughout Languedoc. Direct press and saignée are used equally across the region.
Key statistics about Languedoc rosé:
- In 2015, Americans consumed more than 78 million gallons of rosé wine (from around the globe)
- The consumption of rosé wine accounts for more than 9.4% of volume and 5.4% of value of all wines consumed in the U.S. in 2015
- 5% of rosé wine consumed in the U.S. is imported
- France is the #1 rosé exporter to the U.S., by value
- Demand for French rosé also shows in Languedoc’s figures – AOC Languedoc Red/Rosé imports show roughly 70% vol growth 2016 vs 2015
Data: Nielson 2015 Report
