New hierarchy for Languedoc appellations

Published: 17 August, 2010

A new hierarchy for Languedoc appellations has been confirmed by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL).

Building on the base of the structure, which is the AOC Languedoc (launched in 2007), the new tiers of the pyramid are Grands Vins du Languedoc and Grands Crus du Languedoc.

The Grands Vins du Languedoc are; Minervois, Corbières, Saint Chinian, Limoux Sparkling wines, Malepère, Faugères, Cabardès, Muscats and part of the Terroirs des Coteaux du Languedoc including Picpoul de Pinet.

The Grands Crus du Languedoc are: Minervois La Livinière, Corbières Boutenac, Saint Chinian Roquebrun, Terrasses du Larzac, Grès de Montpellier, Pic Saint Loup, Pézenas, La Clape and still wines from Limoux.

The new hierarchy will "mould the future of the Languedoc region for the next 15 years," according to Jérôme Villaret, executive officer of the CIVL. Each category is determined by its economic value and strict appellation rules and requirements must be adhered to.

In a bid to raise the profile of quality wines from the region, the council has also approved a detailed plan of action based on technical, economic and marketing strategies, which will make up the framework of its activities for the coming years.

The plan includes measures to control the quality and the quantity of Languedoc wines, ways to help wineries manage their production and sales strategies, as well as communication and promotional programs to boost sales.

Frédéric Jeanjean, president of the CIVL, said he hoped the strategy will "transform the Languedoc into a profitable, quality wine?making region".

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