NEW AOC IN THE LANGUEDOC

THERE’S A NEW kid on the AOC block. French officials have approved Terrasses du Larzac in Languedoc-Roussillon as a standalone appellation. Formerly referred to as “Coteaux du Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac”, the new AOC spreads across 2OOO hectares of 6O wine producers and five cooperatives located west and north of Montpellier. It covers 32 communes at an elevation of between 😯 and 2OO meters above sea level. The approval from France’s national appellation body, INAO, is a further sign of Languedoc’s ascent as a quality wine region following a long history of producing bulk wine. AOC Terrasses du Larzac is only for red wines comprised of a minimum of three varieties from Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan, Syrah, and Cinsault. The first four of those varieties must represent at least 75% of a qualifying vineyard, and yields must not exceed 45 hectoliters/hectare. It is now hoped that Languedoc’s La Clape will follow in Terrasses du Larzac’s footsteps.