Clairette du Languedoc
White wine, classified AOC in 1948.
Grape varieties : Clairette blanche.
Production zone : this is the smallest and one of the oldest appellationof the Languedoc. It occupies the slopes bordering the middle valley of the Herault river.

Characteristics : the wines of the Clairette have, one might say, always existed. First mentionned by Pline the Ancient (in Gallo-Roman times) and later by Rabelais, it was particularly appreciated by Ronsard. The Clairette du Languedoc wines can be drunk both young or after oxidative ageing (rancio), dry or sweet. They provide a subtle and refined accompaniment to shellfish and other delicate fish.


Coteaux du Languedoc
White, red or rosé wines, classified A.O.C. in 1985.
Grape varieties : Syrah is the dominant red grape variety, blended with traditional mediterranean varieties like Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan and, increasingly, Mourvedre. The white grape varieties are Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Rolle, Bourboulenc, Picpoul and Clairette.
Production zone : covering an area of over 16700 acres between Nimes and Montpellier, this is the most maritime of the appellations of the Languedoc, though there are also a few, more discreet terroirs facing the Cevennes. Its wines are presented under the name of the Cru (Saint Chinian, Faugeres or Clairette du Languedoc) or the appellation Coteaux du Languedoc, usde by itself or followed by the name of a terroir.
Characteristics : each terroir has its own particular identity, but in all these wines inspired by the fragrances of the garrigue, one finds a sensation of suppleness ans freshness which make them an irresistable moment of pleasure.

Faugeres
Red and rosé wines, classified A.O.C. in 1982.
Grape varieties : Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah.
Production zone : this vineyard forms a balcony (reaching, at its highest point, an altitude of 600 m) set up against the Cevennes mountains and overlooking the plain of the Languedoc with the sea in the distance. Situated to the north of Beziers, this terroir of 4500 acres undulates over ridges of schist.
Characteristics : made by classic vinification or by carbonic maceration, the Faugeres wines are round with soft tannins and delicate aromas of ripe fruit and liquorice. With time they develop pleasant bouquets with notes of leather and flint.


Saint Chinian
Red and rose wines, classified A.O.C. in 1982.
Grape varieties : Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Lladonner, Rolle, Mourvedre and Syrah.
Production zone : at the foot of the Montagne Noire, on either side of the Orb and Vernazobre rivers with the mountain of the Caroux and the Espinousse in the background, twenty villages grouped together to produce the Cru Saint-Chinian. It spreads over 6700 acres in colourful surroundings and a warm, rustic atmosphere.
Characteristics : Saint-Chinian wines are sometimes fruity, supple and generous, sometines fullbodied, long and true to local character, some are at their best when young, while others must wait 3 to 5 years to fully develop. With the onset of winter in this hunters’paradise, it is pleasurable to imagine wild game turning on a spit in a large fireplace, and powerful wines with a brilliant ruby robe and aromas of red berry fruits and cistus.

Minervois
Red, rose ans white wines, Muscat and «vins nobles», classified A.O.C. in 1985.
Grape varieties : Mourvedre and Syrah bring an aromatic complexity and finesse to the Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache for the red and rosé wines. There are many white grape varieties : Marsanne, Roussanne, Maccabeu, Bourboulenc, Rolle, Clairette and Muscat.
Production zone : Situated within a triangle formed by the three towns of Carcassonne, Narbonne and Beziers, the vineyards spread from terrace to terrace over 45000 acres, 12500 of which are in production.
Characteristics : the eastern part of the Minervois offers well-structured reds with a fine blackcurrant robe, the central part produces wines that are distinguished and supple, while the whites are fresh and rich in floral aromas. In the western part the reds are lively and aromatic, the whites drier. At a higher altitude the reds are more full-bodied while the whites draw their inspiration from the scent of heather. At Saint-Jean-de-Minervois the Muscat comes into its own, a Vin Doux Naturel which is subtle and fruity.