Traditional French wine regions have been pushed off the wine list by new wine-producing countries and newly discovered wine regions. But the Languedoc is not about to be sidelined. The dynamic and forward-thinking Domaine de la Baume is holding its own.
Text: Château Petri | Image: Domaine de la Baume
The secret of the Languedoc: farmers‘ ingenuity. This wine region is, in fact, on the front line of climate change. Here, they have no choice but to adapt to a warming climate. That is why they continue to reinvent themselves, resulting in exciting wines. This innovation is evident, for example, in the introduction of new grape varieties: crosses, forgotten varieties that have now been rediscovered, and hybrids that are more resistant to extreme weather conditions. Winemakers are experimenting with old varieties such as Morrastel, Picpoul Noir and Oeillade Noire. These varieties are being replanted because they have proved more resistant to heat and drought. Grapes from across the border, such as Nero d’Avola and Montepulciano, which originate from warmer Mediterranean regions, are also finding their way to the Languedoc.
Another reason for its success is the flexibility typical of the South of France. Old winemaking traditions have been overhauled. Harvest times and vinification methods have been adapted. Today’s wines feature less extraction, a more subtle use of oak and greater balance. The colour is also changing, with consumption of white and rosé wines on the rise. The Languedoc is thus moving away from its traditional focus on reds and, out of necessity, is evolving into a highly versatile region.
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