AOC Coteaux du Languedoc

Appellation area
The appellation Coteaux du Languedoc was replaced on May 2007 by the AOC Languedoc which streches along the Mediterranean cost, from the Spanish frontier to Nimes, on the foothills of the Montagne Noire and the Cévennes.


Geology
Very diverse constituted of Limestone Mountains and slate soils with also gravelly soil due to rivers of Languedoc.


Climate
The characteristic of this Mediterranean climate, common to the entire appellation is marked by a hot and dry season which is tempered by the relief. The diversity and the specificities of the different regions have allowed the definition of major climatic zones.


Grapes
Principal grapes for the red and the rosé: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (50% minimum and 20% minimum Syrah Mourvèdre) Cinsault et Carignan.
For the Pic St Loup: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre (90 % minimum).
For the Clape and the Grés de Montpellier: Syrah, Grenache,  Mourvèdre (70% minimum).

Vinification
Red: traditional fermentation carbonic maceration.
Rosé: by saignée.
White: direct pressing.

• Key figures
  10 000 ha classed
  2 000 producers
  80 cooperative wineries
  450 particular wineries

• Basic yield
  47 hl (78% red, 10% rosé, 12% white)

• Sales
  General Distribution: 72 000 hl (22%)
  Export: 145 500 hl (43%)
  Storehouse outputs (60%)