Limoux, a different part of the Languedoc

When you think of Languedoc you probably think warm, sunny days and rich full-bodied wines made from grapes like grenache and carignan. But the reality is more varied than that. In the 1970s the growers started to plant the Chenin Blanc in Limoux, in the south-western part of the Languedoc. The idea was that chenin would give freshness to the local grape Mauzac. It proved a success and soon Chenin was followed by Chardonnay and Pinot noir. These cool climate grapes thrive here in Limoux, a region that is located close enough to the Atlantic Ocean and high enough to provide a cooler climate than the rest of the Languedoc.

The white wines of Limoux are well worth looking for. They are made of chardonnay, chenin and / or Mauzac with compulsory fermentation in oak barrels. Limoux most famous wines, however, are the sparkling Crémant de Limoux, made mostly with chardonnay and chenin, and the local speciality Blanquette de Limoux, with at least 90% Mauzac.