This month, the French Winophiles will be writing about the Languedoc (a.k.a. Languedoc Roussillion) region.

Nestled in the sun-kissed embrace of southern France, with the Pyrenees framing its southern border and Spain just beyond, lies the archetypal Mediterranean wine country of Languedoc.

An Overview of the Languedoc

Stretching from the rugged coastline of the Mediterranean Sea to the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees mountains, it is one of the largest wine regions in the world. It boasts a breathtaking mosaic of vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages make it the archetypal Mediterranean wine country. Its diverse terroir, combined with a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, sunny days and cool breezes, provides the perfect conditions for cultivating a wide range of grape varieties.

In terms of production volume, the region predominantly offers red blends crafted from a diverse array of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan grapes. While reds reign supreme, you’ll also discover limited quantities of rosé, alongside an emerging trend of captivating whites showcasing Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Maccabéo, Picpoul, and Clairette Blanche—each contributing its unique flavor profile to the region’s dynamic wine scene. And for those seeking effervescence, Languedoc surprises with a selection of delightful sparkling wines, adding yet another dimension to its diverse wine offerings.

While the Languedoc region was indeed the first in France to be introduced to vine-growing and wine-making by the Romans, its contemporary reputation as a wine producer has often been characterized by an emphasis on quantity over quality. In fact, during the 1980s the Languedoc was regularly producing 10% of the entire planet’s wine output

Today, Languedoc stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the world of wine. While it was once known primarily for its bulk wine production, the region has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades, with a renewed focus on quality and terroir-driven winemaking. Furthermore, winemakers in Languedoc are embracing organic and biodynamic farming practices, working in harmony with the land to produce wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their vineyards. The Languedoc boasts not only the largest proportion of organic vineyards in France, accounting for approximately one-third of the nation’s organic vines, but also ranks among the highest globally.

Finally, and certainly not insignificantly, its wines offer exceptional value for their quality, boasting remarkably reasonable prices.

In My Glass

Parisian Jeff Carrel embarked on a quest to craft exceptional wines, leading him to the picturesque landscapes of the south of France, where he quickly earned acclaim as a négociants and roving winemaker.

The 2022 Les Darons is blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, sourced from organically farmed 40-year-old vines.  It sees no oak, allowing the pure expression of the fruit to shine through. The name “Les Daron” pays  dual homage meaning “parents” in his native neighborhood in Paris and also referencing Grenache and Carignan, the parent grape varieties to all red wines in Languedoc-Roussillon

Tasting Note: It pours a medium ruby color with aromas of cherry, raspberry, blueberry, subtle garrigue and white pepper. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with velvety tannins and bursting with juicy acidity and flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, blueberry and a bit of boysenberry with subtle herbal and peppery notes. Medium-plus finish. Remarkable QPR for this wine! 15% abv| SRP – $13.99

We savored this wine alongside a delectable Birria pizza, adorned with braised beef short rib, white onion, cilantro, and consommé, from one of our beloved local eateries. The combination was absolutely delightful, showcasing how well this wine complements flavorful dishes.

Thirsty for more? Here’s what my fellow #Winophiles writers uncovered during their virtual exploration of Languedoc!

• Camilla of Culinary Cam serves up A Simple Poulet Rôti with the 2023 Les Foulards Rouges Octobre Rouge
• Robin of Crushed Grape Chronicles is sharing Heresie – Ancient and Modern Knights of Languedoc
• Gwendolyn of Wine Predator offers For Spring, try Salade Niçoise and this cheeseboard with red or rose wine from Languedoc
• Jennifer of Vino Travels proffers A Taste of the Languedoc
• Wendy of A Day In The Life On The Farm sips Grande Réserve de Gassac Blanc 2021: A White Blend from Languedoc
• Jeff of FoodWineClick discovers Languedoc – Hidden Value from France
• Here at ENOFYLZ Wine Blog I’ll be Pairing 2022 Jeff Carrel Languedoc Les Darons with Birria Pizza

That’s a wrap on my offering for the Languedoc #Winophiles event. The combined wine writers will return in June with a #WinePW match of junk food and wine. Stay tuned!