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Roussillon 2006: Conclusion

I recall that in the 1990's, almost every other newspaper wine column would be promoting the great value wines from France's Mediterranean vineyards, urging us to run out and buy from the embarrassment of delicious drinking offered by Languedoc-Roussillon. But in truth they really meant just the Languedoc; Roussillon was nowhere to be seen.

All that has changed. The Languedoc made its name selling bargain vin de pays, often using international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and although there are some deliciously distinctive wines available from Coteaux du Languedoc communes such as Pic St Loup and La Clape, for many drinkers the Languedoc remains a source of cheap-and-cheerful alternatives to generic AC Bordeaux and Bourgogne. Or rather generic, branded, Australian Shiraz and Chardonnay, which is the omnipresent competition in today's wine market. Roussillon, however, has forged its own path; this tasting of wines, hosted by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon in Edinburgh, was a clear demonstration of what the region stands for.

Yes, there is some Cabernet Sauvignon in some of the vin de pays, but generally as a blend with the likes of Grenache, Syrah and the delicious Mourvèdre. These varieties, along with Carignan, Cinsaut, Muscat and Maccabeu, form the backbone of Roussillon wines, and they are clearly well suited to the climate and terroir. The wines that result make for a vibrant display, with a fabulous diversity of colour, ranging from a rich gold, through an array of reds, to the glimmering red-golds and burnished ambers of the region's sweet and fortified styles. This unique portfolio lends Roussillon a tangible identity; when associated with the quality evident in this series of tastings, from the likes of Serge Baux and Jean Boucabeille, and the support of the CIVR, it is apparent that Roussillon is a wine region that will continue on the up for the foreseeable future. (2/8/06)

Roussillon 2006: I meet and taste with a collection of Roussillon winemakers.

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: Domaine Lauriga: The wines of Rene Clar & Cecile Javaux.

Part 3: Mas Amiel: Great Maury and more from this leading domaine.

Part 4: Domaine Boucabeille: Good wines from Régis and Jean here.

Part 5: Clos de l'Origine: Fine Biodynamic wines from Marc Barriot.

Part 6: Domaine de Nidolères: A fine selection from Pierre Escudie.

Part 7: Domaine Mas Cremat: Good wines from Catherine Jeannin.

Part 8: Mas Baux: Exciting and individual wines from Serge Baux

Part 9: Conclusion