A Languedoc History Lesson

A bigger wine producer than the US, and nearly 2,000 years of experience. Why don’t we hear more about this region?

Languedoc wine making started with the Greeks 500 years before Jesus was a word! Up until the 19th century (yes, after Jesus), the Languedoc was known for producing high quality wines that were even prescribed in Parisian hospitals because of their healing powers ( this is of course true, just no longer prescribed by doctors but consumed by them). But this all changed in the 19th century when production shifted to high yield, low quality wines to fuel the working masses during the industrial revolution and French soldiers during both world wars. To make these wines a bit more interesting, the light reds were blended with heartier grapes from Algeria, producing something not offensive, but certainly not memorable.

A shift back to qualify started in the 60’s with Algeria gaining independence from France (read supply chain problem) and consumers seeking higher quality. Languedoc for sure had the resource, but there was this 100 year old reputation issue of “Cheap and Nasty” to overcome. That is where we are going to help! The Mediterranean coastal planes starting in Spain and reaching all the way to the Rhone valley is a huge expanse with a mild climate. It also reaches to the foothills of the Pyrenees providing steep hillsides and altitude. It’s a whole country in just a corner of France.

With so much geography to choose from, we bring 8 wines from the region each offering something typical but unique. Be it a Grenache Blanc or a Marselan, get ready for a Languedoc showcase.

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