Languedoc's AOC Pezenas Quality Wines Thrive Worldwide by Philip S. Kampe

                                                     

Since the 5^th century, BC, Languedoc-especially Narbonne, has been a hot spot for grapes. Other then Provence, Languedoc has the oldest planted vineyards in France.

Until the early 19^th century, when phylloxera invaded and wiped out the wine industry, Languedoc had a reputation for producing high quality wine. And today, the reputation is leaning towards the production of quality wines, after an era of producing large quantities of wine from top to bottom levels. Success is due in part to outside investment, with the focus on quality.

After attending a wonderful get together with the AOC Pezenas winemakers for the launch of Terroirs & Millesimes Week in the Languedoc, the realization that something special was happening in AOC Pezenas was illustrated by an amazing assortment of wines and regional delicacies  from the AOC.

AOC Pezenas is home to numerous wineries.
My favorites include:
Chateau Abbaye de Cassan
Villa Tempora
Domaine de St Preignan
Sainte Cecile du Parc
Domaine de Fondouce
Domaine La Grange
Domaine les Aurelles
Domaine Stella Nova
Les Caves Moliere
Domaine Monplezy
Domaine du Clos Roca
Domaine de Gravanel
Domaine du Pech Rome
Domaine de la Resclauze
Domaine Allegria
Mas Gabriel
Domaine Magellan
La Fontesole
Les Vignerons du Vent Neffies
Domaine Belle Fontaine
Domaine Turner Pageot
Domaine Ribiera
Mas Belle Eaux
Villa Symposia
Domaine de Daurion
Domaine de Bayelle-Caux
Cave la Clairette d'Adissan
Mas d;Arlenques
Domaine de Nizas et Salleles


With the regions Mediterranean climate, dry summers and wet winters, the wineries have thrived due to the wide variety of grapes that they can grow. The perpetual tramontane inland wind that comes from the northwest helps the dry climate breath in the warm summer months.

The inland soil composition favors chalk, gravel and limestone, while alluvial soils dominate the coastline.

Chardonnay is one of the major white grapes used in white wine, as is Chenin Blanc, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Marsanne. There are numerous red grapes that are used in wine production: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsaut and Maccabeo.

Languedoc is France’s largest wine region, with close to 500,000 acres. One out of every ten bottles sold in the world comes from Languedoc.

Isn’t it time to enjoy the riches of the Languedoc, especially the wines from AOC Pezenas?

Philip S. Kampe

philip.kampe@thewinehub.com