325: Why is the Languedoc a Hotbed of Experimentation? Rosemary George Reveals What This Means for the Wines You Drink

Introduction

Why is the Languedoc a hotbed of experimentation, and what does that mean for the wines you drink? What role have white and rosé wines played in the transformation of the Languedoc wine scene? What prompted the shift from mass-produced table wines to higher-quality appellation wines in Languedoc?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Rosemary George.

You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks

 

Giveaway

Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, Wines of the Languedoc. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [e-mail] and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!

 

Highlights

How did the Languedoc’s appellations come to be and why were they relatively late to the game?

Why is ​the Languedoc a hotbed of experimentation, and what does that mean for the wines you drink?

How did the monastic houses contribute to winemaking in the Languedoc region?

What is the historical significance of the Canal du Midi?

Which Languedoc food and wine pairings should you try?

What role have white and Rosé wines played in the transformation of the Languedoc wine scene?

What prompted the shift from mass-produced table wines to higher-quality appellation wines in Languedoc?

How has the introduction of clay amphorae and concrete eggs influenced Languedoc winemaking?

What changes does Rosemary expect to see in the region over the next 5-10 years?

How can you make the most out of a visit to the Languedoc region?

Which Languedoc wine would Rosemary pair with her favourite childhood food, baked beans?

Why would Rosemary love to be able to share a bottle of wine with author Jane Austen?

 

Key Takeaways

As Rosemary explains, the Languedoc has far fewer rules and higher yields than other appellations or regions in France. People who don't want to conform to the rules can try different grape varieties. They also have the broad designation of Vin de France that allows for just about anything you want to do. It's the reputation of your name that sells your wine. She believes that Vin de France in the Languedoc from a grove with a certain reputation is going to be interesting. You may not like it, but there will be a reason why it's not conforming, for whatever reason. So that's interesting.

Rosemary observes that the Languedoc produces twice as much Rosé as Provence. It's a large area, whereas Provence is quite small in comparison. Provence tends to produce very pale roses, and those specializing in rosé are quite special. White wines originally weren't important in the Languedoc, and the early appellations were red. But regions like Saint-Chinian and Faugères now produce white white wines in designated areas that weren’t recognized until 2004.

Rosemary believes that it was probably the falling consumption of wine in France that prompted higher quality wines. When France used to drink a phenomenal amount of wine per capita, wine was produced by cooperatives aiming at bulk production. However, growers leaving the cooperatives want to do something more individual. They recognized they had some really good vineyard land. Some of the pioneers of quality included Gerard Bertrand, who started aging wine in barrels. That sort of snowballed. Newcomers are attracted to the area because land prices are not that expensive so you can buy vineyards. You can't do that in Chablis.

 

About Rosemary George MW

Rosemary George has been in the wine industry for 52 years. She pas