The Languedoc is not only the oldest wine producing area of France, but also the largest, home to more than a third of French wine. There are more than 700,000 acres of vines. Sprawled across the south of France, bordered by Spain and the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean and Provence, you get to see the beautiful sea and then travel through the scrubby mountainous region.

The terroir is unique -- the soil, the sub soil, the drainage and which direction the vineyard faces are all part of this French term that determines which varietals will work best in a given site. There are 18 AOC's (Appellation d'Origine controlée), and each one of these has its own micro-climate, soil and varietals. This region isn't as prestigious as others in France, but its reputation as a source for simple rustic wines has been changing.

Languedoc vintners have to work hard to promote their wines, so it is still an excellent value-driven region. All types of wines are produced in this area -- red, white, rosé, dry -- sweet as well as sparkling. Sparkling was first produced here in 1531 - way before Dom Perignon - as Crémant de Limoux, also known as the poor man's Champagne! This tasty bubbly is made according to the Champagne method, and must spend at least a year aging on its lees, but because it is produced outside the Champagne region it is called a crémant. There are about 40 villages surrounding Limoux that make this bubbly. Crémants are found in other regions of France such as Alsace and the Loire as well.

Many Languedoc reds are made from the same grapes as the reds of Southern Rhone: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvédre. There are also wines known as Vin de Pays d'Oc, a regional appellation that encompasses lots of smaller ones. These wines are the more international varietals, and are allowed in this region to be called by the varietal names: Cabernet, Merlot and even Chardonnay. Then there are the varietals indigenous to the area, which can be seen more in the whites: Clairette, Marsanne, Picpoul Blanc, Terret and Chasan. Viognier is gaining in popularity, but not yet permitted in AOC regions, and so must be labeled Vins de Pays d'Oc. Overall, most of the wine produced in this region is red.

The five well known appellations are: Faugéres, Corbiéres, Minervois, St. Chinian and Coteaux de Languedoc. Some others are Banyuls, Collioure, Fitou, and Maury. We have sold wines from these areas from both small producers and also from co-operatives. There are many large and super large co-ops throughout this region. One actually produces more than 500 million bottles a year! It should come as no surprise that the wine rations given to French soldiers during World War II came from this area.

We are looking forward to visiting this unique corner of Southwest France and know we will find many wineries to explore and experience.