Estates in France’s largest winegrowing region Languedoc have had a busy harvest this August and September. The region’s trade body CIVL detailed that producers are reporting quality white grapes, a good overall red harvest and resilient vineyards thanks to a wet winter.
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While some trade commentators like to write about the death of appellations and the inability of European wine laws to challenge the agility of New World brands, I have just three words: Picpoul de Pinet. A runaway success in export markets, Picpoul de Pinet has become a household name in the UK, rising up the ranks to full AOC status in 2013. Still a staple of pub wine lists and ubiquitous in seafood restaurants, Picpoul successfully poached Muscadet’s customers in the 21st century.
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Any wine buyer with a full grasp of the diversity and complexity of the Languedoc deserves a special commendation. Both within and between the appellations of the historic southern French region there is an almost head-spinning array of wine styles. Such variety can make defining the identity of the region a challenge. Rhône-style blends; rosés, both Provence-esque and punchy; Limoux sparklers; and indigenous southern French varietal wines all exist within one – albeit the world’s largest – vinegrowing region.
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