|
activities >> wine tasting
Alongside the vineyards of Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon
is the most prolific producer of wine in the whole of France.
The region has 13
wines classified as AOC (Appellation
d'Origine Contrôlée).
This
means that the wine comes from a defined area and is
made from specific varieties of grape - guaranteeing a standard
quality.
These classifications are:
Seven
AOC dry wines: Collioure, Cotes
du Roussillon, Cotes du
Roussillon Villages (including a further four specific
AOCs bearing the name of the village of production).
Six AOC natural sweet
wines: Rivesaltes, Muscat
de Rivesaltes, Maury, Banyuls, Banyuls
Grand Cru and Grand
Roussillon.
Wines are graded as:
| - |
grand
cru (a
noble and great vintage), |
| - |
Vin de Qualité Supérieure (the
next best grade), |
| - |
Vin de Pays (guaranteed
to be at least from a specific region) and finally to, |
| - |
Vin de Table (which
is usually drinkable and cheap). |
There are many centres for wine tasting
in the area (dégustation),
which are a must for anyone with a love of fine wine.
You can buy
directly from the producer or wine cooperative. Look out for
caves (producers
selling
outlets), where you can buy bottles, cases or en
vrac (bring your own containers!).
In a restaurant you order by the glass (un
verre),
by the picher (un pichet -
usually a 1/4 litre)
or bottle (une
bouteille).
Quick Links
We've compiled a list of some noteworthy négociants and caves
particulières within easy driving
distance of the house, for more information visit www.vins-du-roussillon.com.
|
|
