Terrasses du Larzac – one of France’s newest wine regions has so much to offer
Terrasses du Larzac is producing some of the South of France’s most exciting wines. Wines to delight French wine lovers around the world.
There are some particularly fine red wines that carry the region’s name. Although, if you are looking for some good white wines or delicate rosé wines, you can find them here too. The appellation’s growing reputation means that these wines are now being sought after for their style and their value.
The vineyards of the Terrasses du Larzac add to the beauty of the landscape as you climb towards Mont Baudile. Some of the better known communes of the region include Saint-Saturnin de Lucian to the south of the peak and Puéchabon, Aniane, Saint-Jean de Fos to the south east.
They are located to the north west of the thriving Meditteranean city of Montpellier.
What is so unique about Terrasses du Larzac?
This scenic region takes its name from the Larzac plateau, Causse du Larzac, to the north of the vineyards. It is the combination of the slopes rolling up to Mont Baudile, the effect of the plateau and the soils that makes the wines unique in the Languedoc. The Terrasses du Larzac vineyards are higher in altitude.
The highest vineyards, such as Mas Lasta at around 400m, use the lower temperatures there to their advantage.
However, it is the effect of the cool air coming down from the plateau that has the greatest impact on the wines.
These cool summer nights slow down the ripening of the grapes. This means they retain their refreshing acid. It also allows the grapes time to develop deeper colours and more complex flavours and aromas. With different, and some unique, soil types across the region, there are many expressions for winemakers to showcase in their best wine.
The wines of Terrasses du Larzac
Historically, wines have been made in the region since Roman times. Today, Terrasses du Larzac appellation wine must be a blend containing at least two grape varieties from low yield vines. Only the best red wine, matured for 12 months, can carry the name of the appellation on the label as a sign of quality. Each blend may contain a maximum of 75% of either Syrah, Mourvèdre or Grenache Noir individually. These are considered the best wine varieties grown here. The blend can also contain up to 30% of Carignan and Cinsault.
Many other good red, rosé and white wines are also made in the region and are labelled as either Languedoc AOC or as IGP wines. Producers have a much wider range of varieties to choose from for these wines. It is not unusual to find a nice red wine made from local Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Or a crisp fruity white from Chardonnay or Viognier. Chateau Capion is just one producer that offers an extensive range of wines in addition to their Terrasses du Larzac AOC red wines.
The producers of Terrasses du Larzac
There are just over 60 wine producers, usually small independent wine makers, in the region. This number includes some families who have lived in the area for many generations. There are also some old vine vineyards producing exceptional red wines. These vines make the most concentrated and complex wines in the region. They are excellent value when compared to more expensive red wine regions, such as those of the
Rhône to the north.
There has also been a focus on growing grapes using organic principles although many are not certified. Our producers such as Chateau Capion, Domaine Nova Solis, Mas de L’Erme and Mas Lasta, Mas des Brousses and Domaine La Rouquette are just some of the growing number of the area’s winemakers who believe that the future is in organic growing.
There is still so much more to come from Terrasses du Larzac. It is a region just starting to make its mark.
What to buy?
It is very easy to find something that will quickly become your new favourite from the fine wines of Terrasses du Larzac that we offer on our website. Or from the diverse range of Languedoc wines from Chateau Capion or Joseph Castan. If you are looking to buy wine from this region, it may be that a wine delivery service is your best choice. Whether you are looking forward to a nice red wine, a good white wine for lunch or you want to buy rosé wine to enjoy with friends.
You may not find this range of choice at your local wine shop. So, it makes sense to buy your wine online through our specialist service.
Mixed wine cases of premium red wine are a great place to start your journey of discovery. You can always mix it up! There are some amazing adventures that start with a wine box. You never know where it may lead….
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