The Classified Growths of the Languedoc
Posted On April 21, 2010 at 5:36 pm in Languedoc, Roussillon
I visited Les Crus du Soleil wine shop today. They only stock wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon including some of regions more celebrated producers like Mas Julien, Cyril Fahl’s Clos du Rouge Gorge and Domaine Borie de Maurel.
Crus du Soleil translated means classified growths from the sun. Of course, unlike Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Alsace and even Provence where either vineyards or chateaux are classified, in the Languedoc-Roussillon no such system exists. Even with the recognition that pioneering producers like Domaine du Dumas Gassac have given the region, up until 10 years ago, the very idea of a classification would have been laughed at.
Les Gros Rouge qui tache
This expression refers to the staining qualities of the rustic and tannic reds wines produced in the past. Destined for the masses, they were sometimes illegally blended with Algerian grapes to give better color to wines made from over-productive low quality varietals. Grape growers of the era were more concerned with quantity in order to meet the then unlimited demand. Times change. The French are drinking less and the export market for these low quality indifferently made wines isn’t what it used to be.
Today, the Languedoc remains the world’s single biggest wine region but some producers who’s fathers and grandfathers once sold their grapes to the local cooperative are now making their own wines. They have seized upon the untaped potential of very specific areas of the Languedoc-Rousillon where unique soils structures and hillside vineyards combine with favorable microclimates. Here it’s possible to make wines that rival any in the world.
A cru system of sorts is also emerging. Several smaller appellations like La Clape, Minervois, La Laviniere and Pic Saint Loup are being recognized for the high over-all quality of their producers.
Les Crus du Soleil, 146 Rue du Chateau Paris 75014, Tél. : 01 45 39 78 99
Les Crus du Soleil
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