The Languedoc in Southern France is the world’s most premiere vineyard area, first not only in size, but also historically, as vines were planted here as early as the 5th century BC.
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Throughout history, Bordeaux may have acquired the
reputation for producing the finest wines in the world, yet the potential
of the Languedoc ‘terroir’ remains outstanding. The geographical Languedoc is the valley that stretches in a vast arc, from the Rhone river and the last of the Massif Central foothills, westward to the Aquitaine and Garonne rivers, and southward to the Mediterranean sea and the Pyrenean mountains. |
The region is steeped also in religious history, the Cathars, and the Knights Templar, stories that spark the imagination, and legends that refuse to die with time.
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Towns and villages are dominated by mediaeval squares,
churches, castles, and priories, each shrouded in its own mysteries,
evident behind every dark corner and rising tower.
Due to its geographical locality, from very ancient times this area was inhabited by the Ligues, the Iberians, and the Celts in the millennium BC. |
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The Greeks, by creating Marseille around 600 BC, opened the region to the Hellenistic influence over daily life, wine growing, philosophy and culture.
During the 2nd century BC, the area was inhabited by the Volques and Tectosage people, called the ‘Gaulois’ by Julias Ceasar, who instigated the building of Narbonne and the creation of the Narbonnaise region, bringing law, order, and organisation.
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The Land of the Languedoc saw passing and integrating
barbarians: the Visgoths, Arabs, Aragones and finally the Francs. The
country becoming Carolingian in the 8th century.
Two distinct proud cultures, Occitan and Catalan, a tradition of heresy, steadfast rebellion, and age-old customs, combine to make this region unmatched in its romance with history. The ‘Occitan’ language spoken in middle ages, gives its name to this land, the ‘Langue d’Oc’. |
The diverse climate and soil varieties have created several ‘countries’, providing as many diverse wines of great quality and individual character. Single vineyard wines, which are lovingly and painstakingly produced by small family Chateaux and Domaines, influenced by great traditions.
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The wines are always indicative of the areas from where
they are created, displaying the immense history and heritage of their
location, the soil, and the pride of their producers. The locals call it, ‘expression de terroir’. |
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Come with me on this exciting journey, through France’s ‘best kept secret’, and I will introduce you to ‘real wine’, a most welcome alternative to the ‘new world domination’ that has masked the true quality of wine that is much closer to us, and that time has almost forgotten.
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As we progress through the coming months, we will feature more ‘hidden treasures’ from other areas in the Langeudoc such as; Fitou, Faugeres and Cabardes. |
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We shall also be arranging visits to these beautiful Chateaux
during harvest time this year, contact us for more information.
A bientot! Alan
Hunter The Vineyards Wine Company. Tel: 01886 821346 - Mobile: 07779990982 Alan Hunter is trained and qualified to full 'Diploma' standard by the ‘Wines and Spirits Education Trust’. He gained his trade experience with Stowells of Chelsea, Saccone and Speed, Percy Fox, and Charles Kinloch Wine Merchants, over a period of 20 years. He is also a proprietor of the Vineyards Country Restaurant, and a director of Vineyards Cuisine Ltd. |
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Vineyards Wine Company, The Vineyards, Broadwas on Teme, Worcester. WR6 5NZ.
Telephone: (01886) 821346. Email: info@vineyardswinecompany.co.uk
