New wine hierarchy in Languedoc

Share / Like:

Share / Like:

The Languedoc growers have long been planning a structuring of the different appellations in a hierarchy. Earlier they planned to have a top appellation category called “grand cru”. However, they were rapped on the knuckles by the INAO. Grand cru, they may not use. When I was recently in the Languedoc for their annual primeur tasting they presented the new plan, a division into three levels:

  • A regional appellation, ie Languedoc, as a base level
  • A “grand vin” category, for the sub-districts within the Languedoc, for example Corbières and Minervois.
  • A top category called “cru” (without the “grand”!) for the sub-areas of the sub-regions, e.g. La Livinière within Minervois.

They also have plans for a whole plethora of new appellations, 36 new AOPs to come.

We are very critical of this fragmentation. It is infinitely more important to find good producer rather than if the vineyard happens to be a “grand vin” or “cru”. That is totally evident to anyone who tasted all the many hundreds of wines on show. The whole system seems designed to confuse consumers, particularly as it will not be mandatory to write in big letters “Languedoc” on all labels. Too bad when you think of how many fantastic wines are made here.

Domaine Borie la Vitarèle, Causses et Veyran, St Chinian, Languedoc
Domaine Borie la Vitarèle, Causses et Veyran, St Chinian, Languedoc, copyright BKWine Photography
Montpeyroux, Terrasses du Larzac
Montpeyroux, Terrasses du Larzac, copyright BKWine Photography
Domaine Bertrand-Berge, Paziols, Fitou, Languedoc
Domaine Bertrand-Berge, Paziols, Fitou, Languedoc, copyright BKWine Photography

Chose your language. Read the article in:

Author:

Author:

Share this post:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Subscribe to comments:

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

25,000 subscribers get wine news every month. You too?