MEDIA KIT 2023
WELCOME TO AOP LANGUEDOC!
Between the warm sun of the Mediterranean Sea and cooling Atlantic winds, you’ll find AOP Languedoc, a regional appellation characterized by a diversity of terroir, a wide array of wines and a southern French character that stands apart. Nature defines the region, delivering more than 300 days of sunshine each year to nurture the independent spirit ofourgrowers,winemakersandnégociants.
AOP Languedoc area
ABOUT AOP LANGUEDOC
Founded in 2007, AOP Languedoc is the regional “flagship” appellation within the greater Languedocwineregionandisalsothe largest,accountingfor 30% of Languedoc’s total wine production. AOP Languedoc is an inspiring appellation that extends over 24,000 acres, representing the collective mission of 531 winemaking communes to create wines that are a true reflection of the vibrant and living terroir of the region. Sustainability and biodiversity are sharedvalues,representinganoutstandingcommitmenttoenvironmentalcertification.
TERROIR AND WINE STYLES
AOP Languedoc stretches over 150 miles southwest from Nîmes on the Mediterranean to the Spanish border, including coastal vineyards and the hilly and mountainous terrain of the Cévennes and the Montagne Noire. The varied geography, climate and soils of AOP Languedoc allow for a lively production of red, white and rosé wines. The U.S. is the number one export market intheworldforAOPLanguedocwineswitha 175% growth in volume and a 250% growth in value inthelasteightyears.
About AOP Languedoc: Did you know?
AOP Languedoc is one of the youngest appellations in the region, first recognized in 2007. AOP Languedoc wines can be red, white, or rosé, whereas other AOPs may be limited to a certain color or style of wine and may include sparkling wines. AOP Languedoc works with 15 approved grape varieties, morethananyotherappellationintheregion.
New name : AOP Languedoc
3 colors
(red, white and rosé)
VDQS Coteauxdu Languedoc AOP Coteauxdu Languedoc
35% 10% 55%
5 bottles of AOP Languedoc are sold every second
are sold in France are sold abroad
Volume of Rosé exported: +160% in 10 years
U.S.
#1 export market by volume/value in 2022
Geography as diverse as terroir and winemakers…
The geographical scope of AOP Languedoc stretches more than 150 miles fromNîmeson the Mediterranean coast down to the Spanish border. It is bordered to the East by the Mediterranean Sea and in the West by the foothills of the Cévennes and the Montagne Noire.
Some Key Numbers:
● 10,000Ha(approx.24,000acres)
● 4FrenchDepartments
● 250,000Hlproducedin2020
● 3,600hoursofsunshine
Deeply focused on innovation, AOP Languedoc winemakers are dynamic and enterprising personalities that come from many unique backgrounds. They have a strong connection to their diverse terroir, which is reflected in their commitment to sustainabilityandcombatingclimatechange.
● 200daysofwind
Pyrénées Orientales
Aude
Hérault Gard
…Acting now to preserve the future
In 2022, AOP Languedoc implemented new requirements for the appellation. Many new specifications focus on the collective importance of preserving terroir through resource conservation and adaptations to climate change. AOP Languedoc has a goal of 60% organic certification by 2028. Many domaines have sustainable measures implemented at all stages of the winemaking process, from grape cultivation and harvesting,toproduction,packingandshipping.
Agro-Environmental Measures
● Further implementation of water preservation and recycling systems on domaines and inwinemakingprocess
● Prohibitionofplasticmulching
● Prohibitionofchemicalweedingbetweenrows&headlands
New Grape Varieties
● Selectedbasedonheritageandabilitytoadapttoclimatechange
● Heirloomvarieties:PiquepoulNoir,OeilladeNoir
● Non-nativevarieties:Calabrese,Montepulciano,Assyrtiko
Objective: 40% HVE vineyards
organic vineyards
2,500 years of winegrowing history 30% of producers have an environmental certification 15% of producers are organic 2028
20%
60%
TYPES OF TERROIR
AOP Languedoc offers a wide range of styles and high quality wines, produced in tune with the “higher vibration” of surrounding nature.
Four main terroir types can be found within AOP Languedoc: sandstone, schist, clay and limestone.
AOP Languedoc can be divided into three climatic zones: Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Hills & Mountains. Each has a different combination of climate and geographical factors which impact the vines and grapes including ocean winds, mountain protection andsaltyseaspray.
Most AOP Languedoc wines are produced in the Mediterranean and Hills & Mountains zones, offering surprising profiles greatly influencedbytheirterroirs.
The Mediterranean Sea is a unifying force connecting the diverse landscape of AOP Languedoc.
an extremely brittle rock
Sandstone: pebbles
Limestone: poor soil
Clay: water retention
SHAPED BY NATURE
Throughout the lush vineyards of Southern France, the heady scent of garrigue permeates the air. The two key vegetation groups that grow wild in AOP Languedoc’s powerful terroir, garrigue and maquis,impartadistinct character on wines from the appellation.
Maquis
Nonacidicsoils, primarilylimestone
Thyme,rosemary, spikelavender, juniper,boxwood, holmoak
Garrigue
AOP LANGUEDOC: STILL WINE STYLES - TASTING GUIDE
WHITES
35% ofall production
TOP VARIETIES STYLES TO LOOK FOR
Syrah
Grenache
Mourvèdre
Lledonerpelut
Carignan
Cinsault
Counoise
Grenachegris
Morrastel
Piquepoulnoir
Rivairenc
Terretnoir
55% ofall production
(For rosé, some white grapes varieties can be used)
Roussanne
10% ofall production
Grenacheblanc
Bourboulenc
Piquepoulblanc
Clairette
Marsanne
Viognier
Vermentino
Malvoisie
Carignanblanc
Macabeu
TerretBlanc
Diversity through their singularity:Aromas characteristic of the Mediterranean terroir and in particular notes of ripe red fruits, spices
A range of rosé styles: Freshfruitaromasandfreshness
Good to know: Languedochasalongstandingtraditioninwhite wines,witharomasofwhiteflowers(almondtrees)andfruits (citrusfruits,pears,etc.)withanunexpectedfreshness
É
ROS
%
CONTACT
Contacts in the US: Katie Keith – katie@gregoryvine.com
Claire Martin – claire@gregoryvine.com
Contact in France:
Estelle Nijhof – enijhof@languedoc-wines.com
@AOPLanguedocWines
