Nowhere in France are independent thinkers more prevalent than in the Languedoc. With a proud tradition of rebellion that has endured the Greek and Roman conquests as well as the Spanish Inquisition, this region of wild, rocky landscapes and ancient fortified towns provides the ideal backdrop for viticultural experimentation. The Languedoc’s highly varied soils, coupled with the influences of the Tramontagne winds and the Mediterranean breezes, allow a wider range of grapes to flourish than anywhere else in France, with Carignan regarded as the noblest among them. For many years, the Languedoc’s grapes were used for mass production of table wine; today, it’s become a hotbed of high-quality winemaking and innovative farming practices. The region continues to study its incredibly diverse terroirs, with new crus being recognized by the INAO regularly. And as Languedoc’s wines are finally stepping into the limelight, so too are a new and exciting generation of freethinking winegrowers.
