b'LANGUEDOCHISTORYTheoldestvineyardsinFrancecanbefoundintheLanguedoc-Roussillon, datingbacktothePhoeniciansandGreeks1,000yearsB.C.Overtimethe Languedoc became known for bulk wines, focusing on quantity over quality and often blending with Algerian wines until Algeria gained its independence from France in 1962. In recent years production has decreased, a quality revolution has invaded the area and the Languedoc is producing some of the most exciting and unique wines to come out of France. In addition to the dropping yields, more attention is being focused on cellar practices with small oak barrels and stainless steel tanks replacing foudres (traditional large casks) and temperature controlled fermentation being utilized. Cellar hygiene is now closely monitored and carbonic maceration is being used to extract fruit without a surplus of tannin.GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE & SOILSThe vineyards of the Languedoc stretch from the foothills of the Pyrenees in the west around the Mediterranean coast to the Rhne in the east. The climate is typically Mediterranean with very little rainfall during the growing season which results in consistent ripening in most vintages. This is conducive to growing vast amounts of a wide variety of grapes. The soil types range from chalk, gravel and limestone more inland to alluvial soils closer to the coast.VARIETALSNumerous international grapes are grown throughout the Languedoc but notably Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvdre have replaced areas that were once rampant in Carignan, Alicante Bouschet and Aramon leading to a significant improvement in the wines. Although the region is abundant in red wine, some great whites are also being made with grapes such as Roussanne, Marsanne and Rolle.APPELLATIONSFor a while the vast majority of wine coming out of the Languedoc was produced by wine cooperatives (more than 500) rather than appellations. However, with the positive quality transformations underway the appellations are also undergoing improvements with new ones being created and existing ones altered. Additionally, the vins de pays, which were created to allow winemakers freedoms not granted under the AOC, are making comparable advances enabling the Languedoc to compete with new world wine regions.STATISTICSDespite production decreases, the Languedoc wine region still produces more wine than any other in the world with its nearly 700,000 acres translating to approximately447millionbottles.MorethanoneinthreeFrenchwinesare produced in the Languedoc.22'