Thefirst vineyards of the Languedoc were planted by the Greeks in the 5th centuryBC. Viticulture has flourished in theLanguedoc ever since, particularly in the nineteenth century, when it became France'slargest vineyard area. It still claims that honour today, but its profile isvery difficult.



Gone are the days of industrial mass production. The Languedocof the twenty-first century is a vibrant, innovative wine area, whereeverything vinous is possible. Forthe purposes of The wines of Languedoc, the Languedoc stretches from the appellations ofMalepere and Cabardes to the west of Carcassonne as far as Sommieres, to theeast of Montpellier, including better known appellations such as Faugeres, StChinian, Minervois and Corbieres, as well as the more recently recognized like Terrassesdu Larzac.



Master of Wine Rosemary George discusses therecent developments in the region, before covering each appellation, with itshistory, geography and terroir. She profiles a personal selection of winegrowers, including some more established names, but focusing above all on thenewcomers, of which there are many, and the potential future stars of theregion.