Each year, the Munskänkarna Wine Association in Sweden (probably the worlds’ biggest, with some 25,000 members) chooses a “Wine Village/Wine Region of the Year”. For 2020, Roussillon in southern France was recently elected. A good choice we think. Roussillon is often lumped together with Languedoc and that can sometimes be justified. But Roussillon has its own history and its own special wine types that differ a great deal from Languedoc. The scenery is spectacular, both the beautiful coast in Collioure and Banyuls and the mountainous inland. It is a part of France that sometimes feels wild and godforsaken. But the wines, both reds and whites, from the poor schist and limestone soils are magnificent, often with a surprising freshness so far south.
Roussillon is located in the French part of Catalonia, which is noticeable in both language and gastronomy. The great speciality down here, the vin doux naturel, VDN (banyuls, rivesaltes, maury…), are experiencing a revival. These wines must definitely not be overlooked if you visit Roussillon. And they are an exciting alternative to the Christmas port wine.
