Raise a glass to #LanguedocDay!

If you follow my blog or tweets, then you know that there’s a soft spot in my heart for kitschy foodie holidays (it’s the perfect excuse to try something new and to take part in online discussions).  Well, today’s no exception…

It’s Languedoc Day!

A little background: Languedoc (pronounced “long-dock”) wine region is located in the southern coast of France. The Mediterranean Sea, soil blend, wind and sun make the Languedoc region some of the best terroir for winemaking. Languedoc produces a wide variety of grapes, including the well known Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Chardonnay as well as (perhaps the lesser known) Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Lladoner Pelut.

Some fun facts: Languedoc is the largest wine region in France and includes over 20 AOP’s. Despite so many disparate AOPs and acres under vine, the Languedoc-Roussillon region produces only 10% of France’s AOP wine. The Languedoc AOP reds are generally a minimum 50% combined Grenache, Syrah, Mourveèdre, and Lladoner Pelut; however, varietal makeup and percentages vary by subappellation.  Languedoc AOP whites principal varieties (vineyard must contain at least two) include: Piquepoul Blanc (max. 50%), Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Tourbat, and Vermentino.

Celebrating this day has re-kindled my interest in the wine world (I passed the first level examination with Court of Master Sommeliers back in 2010). I hate to admit that I haven’t put my knowledge into practice. So, today is the perfect excuse to brush up on a region that I haven’t spent much time on. Here’s a few wines that I plan to try out.

Domaine du Silene,  AOP Côteaux du Languedoc – Grès de Montpellier (a blend of classic southern French varieties, including Syrah and Grenache)

Domaine D’Aupilhac , AOP Montpeyroux (predominantly Mourvedre with Syrah, Carignan, Grenache and Cinsault)

Domaine Virgile Joly, Vin de Pays de l’Herault (100% Grenache Blanc)*

*This white wine was recommended by my friend (certified sommelier and mixologist), Sara Fasolino.

I’d love to hear from you!  What’s your favorite wine region? Do you have a recommendation from the Languedoc region?

Want to learn more about Languedoc? Here’s a few resources: Languedoc-wines.com, LanguedocAdventure.com, twitter.com/LanguedocDay