The Flight
Languedoc is the largest producer of organic wines in France, as well as the biggest producer of IGP and AOC rosé wines in the country, exceeding the production of Provence. The region has also become a welcoming area for foreigners, attracting producers not only from other regions of France but from the world over. Languedoc is now flying high on the reputation of its rich history, culture, and revolutionary spirit.
Located in Southern France, the Languedoc is part of the large Mediterranean coastal area now known as the Occitanie region, reaching from the Spanish border on the southeast to the region of Provence in the east. The Languedoc makes up approximately 90 percent of the territory; Roussillon occupies the other 10 percent. Together they represent France’s largest wine-producing region and vineyard area—more than one in three French wines is produced here. The greater Languedoc-Roussillon region is also the largest vineyard area in the world with a geographic identity. Viticulture is one of the main drivers of the local economy, and many of the wineries are small family holdings that date back generations.
Languedoc’s vineyard history dates to the 5th century BC when the Greeks introduced vines to the area. And, as occurred in many other French vineyard regions, winemaking expanded under the Romans. Viticulture has continued to play a crucial role in the regional economy since that time.
In the first millennium, a unique method called passerillage was used to produce wines; harvested grapes were dried in the sun for over-ripening. In the 17th century, construction of the Canal du Midi, which connected the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, gave a boost to the wine sector. In the late 19th century, the railway system made it easier to ship wine to Northern France, which led to a period of great prosperity for the Languedoc wine community.
La Rousse Sauvignon Blanc 2024 $15 - The bright and fresh La Rousse Sauvignon Blanc hails from the Languedoc region of the South of France, in an area with gravely limestone vineyards. The limestone imparts spice, floral, and mineral flavors to the wine. In addition, thanks to the warm arid climate, the La Rousse Sauvignon Blanc has a more fruit forward character than you might have from the same grape grown in Bordeaux. Grapes are harvested quickly at night in order to maintain freshness when bringing the cool fruit to the cellar for fermentation.
Château d’Oupia 2023 Les Heretiques $14 - 100% Carignon (breaking the rules in Minervois - since Carignon must be blended to have the designation "Minervois" - hence, the "Heretiques"). This one has lovely fruit and earth.
Languedoc-Rousillon, France. Dark, ruby-colored, the wine is wonderfully clean and pure, with an exuberant personality, and gobs of rich, peppery, red and black fruit.
Faillnec Sainte Marie Corbieres 2022 $16 - The Corbières Rouge is made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault. The harvest is partially destemmed before going into the fermentation tanks. This is a wine with enormous character often showing a rustic, somewhat “animal” aspect married to a vivacious wild berry symphony of aromas and flavors.
Olivier Coste “Mourvèdre Illégal” 2024 $18 - A soft and approachable wine with dark fruit aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant, layered with violets, a touch of black pepper and wild herbs. Beautifully balanced with a fresh palate and a long, smooth finish.
Château des Adouzes Le Tigre 2023 Faugères $21 - This rocky, infertile soil forces vines to grow deep, making them drought-resistant and contributing to concentrated flavors. The Le Tigre blend specifically uses a mix of Grenache, Syrah, and ancient, 90-plus-year-old Carignan vines, reflecting the power and balance of the Languedoc terroir.
Bonus Wines
Olivier Pithon. “Mon P’tit Pithon” Blanc 2024, IGP Côtes Catalanes $23 -Pale yellow color with bright clarity. Nose: white flowers, citrus, white peach, fresh almond, and subtle floral hints. Palate: light to medium body, lively acidity, fresh fruit flavors, mineral character, balanced structure, and a clean, persistent finish with citrus notes.
Domaine de L’Horizion 2022 Mar i Muntanya Cotes Catalanes Rouge $30 -Domaine de l’Horizon is all about purity and terroir, making wines with old vines, organic farming, and minimal intervention. Mar i Muntanya (“Sea and Mountain”) reflects the dramatic landscape of the Côtes Catalanes, blending Grenache and Carignan from high-altitude vineyards with Syrah from lower, warmer sites. Red cherry, wild strawberry, and black raspberry lead, with layers of thyme, black olive, and crushed rock adding depth. The tannins are silky but firm enough to give structure, while bright acidity keeps everything lifted.
Olivier Pithon “Le Pilou” 2021, IGP Côtes Catalanes, Carignan $55 - This cuvée is composed exclusively of the superior grape variety from our winery, the Carignan. Two hundred-year-old grannies side by side on a limestone plateau. They are pampered with love in order to extract the most beautiful grapes: hand-sewn! The aim of this selection is to showcase the characteristics of a grape variety which, despite being noble, is showing her colors.