TASTE ADVENTURE. Press Kit. Taste Languedoc. Media Contact. Thea Schlendorf, Benson Marketing Group

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1 Taste Languedoc TASTE ADVENTURE Press Kit Media Contact Thea Schlendorf, Benson Marketing Group x1

2 The Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL) Languedoc wines are an accessible discovery of value, quality and character for the US wine consumer and will be a welcome addition to store shelves and wine lists. Demonstrating tremendous growth over the last 8 years, this category continues to deliver and excite wine consumers, trade and press. Some key successes and milestones for Languedoc: +300% growth by volume and +500% growth in value from * Growth is outpacing nearly every other French category; region has experienced average growth of +23% by volume and +28% by value every year since 2009 The Languedoc is a diamond in the rough and continues to be an incredible source of quality wines, as well as terrific values. JEB DUNNUCK, WINE ADVOCATE, ISSUE 230, APRIL 2017 Crus du Languedoc are new French Cru wines from the South The Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL) is the trade council representing the entire wine sector of Languedoc, as well as the IGP sector. It is responsible for organizing the promotion of Languedoc s within France and all export markets. The CIVL seeks to broaden the exposure of Languedoc wines in the United States to make the public aware of the quality, variety and incredible value they have to offer. Visit Us: Follow *Source: Douanes françaises, UbiFrance/Départment Agro-Alimentaire 02 Campaign supported by the European Union Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc L AVENTURE

3 What is Languedoc? The Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest vineyard area and wine producing area in France. Because of this, the wines of Languedoc offer an exceptional selection of quality, value and character, reflecting the elements from which they come. The wines are blessed by an auspicious blend of natural factors, such as abundant sunshine, the Mediterranean Sea, mountains, as well as history and culture and a revolutionary spirit. These are some of the most authentic wines in France. Paris France Montpellier MALEPÈRE CABARDES LIMOUX LIMOUX BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX LIMOUX METHODE ANCESTRALE Carcassonne Lyon MINERVOIS LA LIVINIÈRE MINERVOIS ST-CHINIAN BERLOU ST JEAN ME MINERVOIS ST-CHINIAN CORBIÈRES BOUTENAC CORBIÈRES ST-CHINIAN ROQUEBRUN TERRASSES MONTPEYROUX DU LARZAC ST-SATURNIN CLAIRETTE DU CABRIÈRES FAUGÈRES PÉZENAS Narbonne LA CLAPE QUATOURZE Gruissan Lodève FONSÉRANES Béziers PICPOUL DE PINET Cap d Agde PIC SAINT-LOUP ST-GEORGES D ORQUES GRÉS DE MONTPELLIER Sète SOMMIÉRS SAINT CHRISTOL SAINT-DRÉZÉRY Montpellier LUNEL FRONTIGNAN MIREVAL LA MÉJANELLE La Grande Motte Nimes CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX FITOU FITOU Covering a large swatch of southern France adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, Languedoc contains several climate and soil types which factor into the wide variety of wines produced here. The majority of the region has a Mediterranean climate and clay/limestone soils. However, there are pockets with more continental and Atlantic influences as well as schist and granite soils. The region is also characterized by low rainfall levels; some areas see the lowest rainfall in France. Strong winds are also prevalent and the combination of all of these environmental factors mean that Languedoc lends itself to very natural methods of farming and wine production; 30% of all of France s organic wine comes from Languedoc. Due to the variation in climate and soils, and the grape varieties they support, all styles of wine are produced here. However, wine production is predominantly red and centers on blends of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan. On the white side one will find grapes such as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Piquepoul, Muscat, Spain MAURY Lesquerde de France Caramany CÔTES-DU- ROUSSILLON Tautavel CÔTES-DU- ROUSSILLON Latour VILLAGES Les Aspres RIVESALTES Perpignan RIVESALTES COLLIOURE BANYULS ET BANYULS GRAND CRU Collioure Mediterranean Sea Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Vermentino. Though often working with some of the same basic materials, each produces distinctly different wines bearing the hallmarks of the elements from which they are derived. Languedoc wines greatest strengths are the value and quality for price that they offer. Consumers can feel confident with their purchases and afford to discover all that Languedoc has to offer. This is a region with much history and today s pioneering winemakers are combining time honored traditions with new techniques to revitalize the region s appellations and craft wines of remarkable style, character and quality. 03 L AVENTURE

4 Languedoc Facts & Figures Vineyards & Grape Varieties The entire region of Languedoc-Roussillon has 580,000 acres of vineyards Languedoc, South of France is France s largest wine region Of the total acreage, over 82,000 acres produce Languedoc wines There are more than 30 appellations in Languedoc divided amongst the three main tiers of Languedoc, Grands Vins du Languedoc and Crus du Languedoc Still wine dominates production in the region, though there are appellations for sparkling wines and sweet vins doux naturels Production Languedoc s produce roughly 1.3 million hectoliters per year The s of the Languedoc region account for about 10% of total production 30% of all of France s organic viticulture can be found in Languedoc-Roussillon Key Grape Varieties: RED: Carignan Cinsault Grenache Mourvèdre Syrah WHITE: Bourboulenc Clairette Grenache blanc Marsanne Mauzac Muscat Piquepoul Rolle Roussanne Production Breakdown: 77% REDS 13% ROSÉS 11% WHITES 04 L AVENTURE

5 Tiers Of Languedoc s There are more than 30 s in Languedoc. Still wine dominates production, but there are appellations for sparkling wines and sweet wines as well. Until recently, there was no visible hierarchy for the consumer. In 2007, the CIVL implemented the first steps to bring a more recognizable hierarchical system to the s of Languedoc. Crus du Languedoc The Summit At the summit, are the Crus of Languedoc. These wines come from more concentrated demarcated areas and are often produced in more limited quantities, making them the very top wines that the Languedoc has to offer. As of 2018 there are five approved s in this tier. Crus DU Grands Vins DU Grand Vins du Languedoc The Heart At the heart of the range, 60% of the region s total production comprise the Grands Vins of Languedoc. These wines retail at slightly higher price points and are defined by their ability to express the distinguishing characteristics of the from which they come. Within the Grand Vin tier, it is recognized that there may be small terroirs or producers who are exceptional and perhaps worthy of more individual status at a later date. The majority of s in Languedoc fall into the Grand Vin tier. Languedoc The Base With the 2007 vintage this became an official and now serves as the base tier for the new tier system. Prior to 2007, there existed Coteaux du Languedoc and 15 different sub-appellations could attach themselves to this nomenclature. Each of these sub-appellations is now working towards separate categorization in their own right. The term Coteaux du Languedoc will continue to appear on labels through This level represents about 30% of total production. 05 L AVENTURE

6 List of Appellations CRUS DU : (as of Jan 2018) Corbières-Boutenac R La Clape R W Minervois la Livinière R Pic Saint Loup R Rosé Terrasses du Larzac R GRANDS VINS DU : Cabardès R Rosé Clairette du Languedoc W Corbières R W Rosé Faugères R W Rosé Fitou R Limoux (Blanquette & Crémant) R W Rosé Minervois R W Rosé Muscats (de Frontignan, de Lunel, de Mireval and de Saint Jean de Minervois) W Picpoul de Pinet W Saint-Chinian R W Rosé Saint-Chinian Berlou R Saint-Chinian Roquebrun R Languedoc: Cabrières R Rosé Grès de Montpellier R La Méjanelle R Montpeyroux R Pézenas R Quatourze R Saint-Christol R Saint Drézéry R Saint-Georges d Orques R Saint-Saturnin R Rosé R W Rosé

Overview of Other Key Appellations, Alphabetically Corbières And Corbières-Boutenac Corbières is the largest in Languedoc, and produces red, white and rosé wines.

which contribute to the distinctive character of the wines. The area is also shaped by the strong winds that blow most days of the year. Within Corbières is the Cru of Corbières-Boutenac.

Faugères Faugères production is primarily red wines, though whites and rosés are produced as well.

7 Overview of Other Key Appellations, Alphabetically Corbières And Corbières-Boutenac Corbières is the largest in Languedoc, and produces red, white and rosé wines. Situated between the Pyrenees mountains and the Aude river, the region has a complex geological history that explains the great variety of soil types (including shale, limestone, sandstone and marl) which contribute to the distinctive character of the wines. The area is also shaped by the strong winds that blow most days of the year. Within Corbières is the Cru of Corbières-Boutenac. The rules for this require Carignan in greater amounts than other areas, especially in Boutenac. Only the best wines receive the Boutenac label. Faugères Faugères production is primarily red wines, though whites and rosés are produced as well. The climate is very Mediterranean, dry and mild, and the vineyards are south facing, though elevation and northerly winds combine to give freshness and acidity to the wines. The soils are grey schistes and clays which are not very fertile and give distinctive minerality to the wines. The vineyards are covered in large schist stones which often require them to be worked entirely by hand. La Clape La Clape lays claim to an impressively beautiful landscape, but is also one of the harshest environments for grape growing in Languedoc due to the heat and minimal rainfall. La Clape was once an island, but thanks to the changing course of the Aude River La Clape is now part of the mainland and its soils bear evidence of this change; they are extremely diverse and thus are home to a variety of grapes. Red and white wines are produced here in view of the Bay of Narbonne. Red wines are blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, while whites feature the rare Bourboulenc. This is a Cru du Languedoc. 07 L AVENTURE

Overview of Other Key Appellations, Alphabetically Limoux Situated in the far southwest of Languedoc, Limoux experiences a more Atlantic climate than Mediterranean.

For either the sparkling or still white wines, the grapes involved are Mauzac, Chenin and Chardonnay.

that this practice originated in Limoux (in 1544) before it was known in Champagne. Crémant rosé is produced by adding 10% Pinot Noir.

8 Overview of Other Key Appellations, Alphabetically Limoux Situated in the far southwest of Languedoc, Limoux experiences a more Atlantic climate than Mediterranean. This allows it to produce sparkling wines as well as utilize more international grapes. Predominantly white, these wines can be still or sparkling. For either the sparkling or still white wines, the grapes involved are Mauzac, Chenin and Chardonnay. For both Blanquette (primarily Mauzac) and Crémant wines (with a higher percentage of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay), the second fermentation takes place in the bottle and there is historic evidence that this practice originated in Limoux (in 1544) before it was known in Champagne. Crémant rosé is produced by adding 10% Pinot Noir. Some still red wines are produced, and there is a third category of sparkling wine (Blanquette Mèthode Ancestrale). Minervois and Minervois La Livinière Red, white, rosé and sweet wines can all be produced in the Minervois appellation. The vineyards are spread across a natural amphitheatre made of terrasses, and bordered by the Canal du Midi to the south and the Montagne Noire to the north. The area is home to significant plantings of olive trees and the production of olive oil is notable here. Minervois contains the smaller Minervois la Livinière and Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois, which is a sweet wine. Minervois la Livinière was the first to be recognized as a Cru du Languedoc. Even more than other areas of Languedoc, Minervois sits in a corridor where winds play an important role. Muscats There are four appellations for sweet wines, Vins Doux Naturels, in Languedoc. All of them employ one grape: Muscat à Petit Grains. The must is fortified with neutral grape spirit, leaving the finished wines with a minimum of 11% residual sugar and 15-18% alcohol by volume. The four s are: Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois, Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat de Mireval and Muscat de Lunel. Picpoul de Pinet Picpoul de Pinet is the largest white wine producing appellation in Languedoc. The predominant grape is the white Piquepoul, which produces wines with refreshing acidity. The vineyards are situated at the edge of the Mediterranean in view of the Bassin de Thau and its oyster beds, so it is no surprise that the resulting wines make excellent companions to all types of seafood. 08 L AVENTURE

Overview of Other Key Appellations, Alphabetically Pic Saint Loup A very dramatic landscape located in the northeast of Languedoc, the area takes its name from the most massive peak: Pic Saint Loup.

Vineyards are composed primarily of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre and this area has a more continental climate, receiving more rainfall than other places in Languedoc.

Saint-Chinian, Saint-Chinian Berlou and Roquebrun Situated to the northwest of the town of Béziers in the Hérault département, at the foot of the Caroux and Espinouse hills, this appellation spans 20

9 Overview of Other Key Appellations, Alphabetically Pic Saint Loup A very dramatic landscape located in the northeast of Languedoc, the area takes its name from the most massive peak: Pic Saint Loup. The peak is said to take its name from Thieri Loup, a crusader who returned from the Holy Land to find his beloved had died, and then chose to live on the peak as a hermit thereafter. Vineyards are composed primarily of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre and this area has a more continental climate, receiving more rainfall than other places in Languedoc. This is only authorized for the production of red and rosé wines. White wines bear the Languedoc designation. Saint-Chinian, Saint-Chinian Berlou and Roquebrun Situated to the northwest of the town of Béziers in the Hérault département, at the foot of the Caroux and Espinouse hills, this appellation spans 20 villages. Its proximity to these hills makes Saint-Chinian s climate more continental than that of neighboring Minervois. It also provides some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the area. Saint Chinian Berlou and Roquebrun lie to the north of Saint Chinian proper. Red, white and rosé wines are authorized for production, though Berlou and Roquebrun only produce red wines. The blends are primarily Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Lladoner Pelut. Carignan also features in the wines of Berlou. Roquebrun and Berlou feature schist soils. Terrasses du Larzac The terraces of the Larzac plateau is an apt name for this area. These terraces were formed during the last ice age as the large ice cap on the Larzac plateau melted and slide towards the sea, carrying much rock and soil with it. Due to its relative elevation and distance from the sea, as well as a large diurnal range, the wines retain a lovely freshness. This area also has a more continental climate and more rainfall. This is only authorized for red wine production, whites and rosés may be labeled Languedoc. 09 L AVENTURE

10 Elemental Languedoc It s no secret that the elements impact a wine; they are what define terroir. The unique collision of wind, sun, soil and sea in the Languedoc present an unexpected adventure for every wine lover. France s oldest (and newest) wine frontier is from the earth, of the earth, and offers a breathtaking landscape of wine discoveries. Character and diversity are what make the wines of Languedoc so exciting, but also difficult to distill into a short discussion. One way to think about the s of Languedoc is to divide them into five groups defined by similar elemental features and wine styles. MALEPÈRE CABARDES LIMOUX LIMOUX BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX LIMOUX METHODE ANCESTRALE CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX Carcassonne Spain MINERVOIS LA LIVINIÈRE MINERVOIS MAURY Lesquerde de France Caramany ST-CHINIAN BERLOU ST JEAN ME MINERVOIS ST-CHINIAN CORBIÈRES BOUTENAC FITOU CÔTES-DU- ROUSSILLON Tautavel CÔTES-DU- ROUSSILLON Latour VILLAGES CORBIÈRES Les Aspres ST-CHINIAN ROQUEBRUN COLLIOURE TERRASSES MONTPEYROUX DU LARZAC ST-SATURNIN CLAIRETTE DU CABRIÈRES FAUGÈRES PÉZENAS Narbonne LA CLAPE QUATOURZE FITOU RIVESALTES Perpignan RIVESALTES BANYULS ET BANYULS GRAND CRU Gruissan Lodève FONSÉRANES Béziers Collioure PICPOUL DE PINET Cap d Agde PIC SAINT-LOUP ST-GEORGES D ORQUES GRÉS DE MONTPELLIER Sète SOMMIÉRS SAINT CHRISTOL SAINT-DRÉZÉRY Montpellier LUNEL FRONTIGNAN MIREVAL LA MÉJANELLE La Grande Motte Nimes Mediterranean Sea The Mountains More continental climates, closer to the Cévennes Mountain range. Marked by slightly higher rainfall and wider diurnal ranges Grape profiles also more closely resemble the nearby Rhone Beautifully structured wines, suitable for longer aging Examples include: Pic Saint Loup, Terrasses du Larzac, Faugères The Coast Strongly defined by Mediterranean climates Abundant sunshine, good winds and breezes, more even diurnal ranges Soils tend to produce softer, more lush wines Examples include: Picpoul de Pinet, La Clape, Grès de Montpellier The South Appellations are found in the southern end of the region Wines include the greatest amounts of indigenous or Mediterranean varieties, such as Carignan Examples include: Corbières, Corbières- Boutenac, Fitou The Center Located in the center of the region Grapes include: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Lledoner Pelut and some white varieties Examples include: Minervois, Saint-Chinian, Minervois la Livinière, Saint-Chinian Berlou, Saint-Chinian Roquebrun The West Situated in the western half of the region Showcase not only Continental climatic influences, but bear Atlantic influences as well More international varieties are found in these appellations than any others; examples include Merlot and Chardonnay Sparkling wines produced here Examples include: Limoux, Malepère, Cabardès 10 L AVENTURE

ALL ABOUT LANGUEDOC AOP WINES Society of Wine Educators Conference. New Orleans August 14, 2015

ALL ABOUT LANGUEDOC AOP WINES Society of Wine Educators Conference New Orleans August 14, 2015 Languedoc AOP Wines: Key Points Wines to discover: Authenticity blend of history, tradition and innovation