Languedoc announces new appellations

The Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL), has confirmed a new hierarchy for Languedoc appellations.

The new tiers are ‘Grands Vins du Languedoc’, which comprises: Minervois, Corbières, Saint Chinian, Limoux Sparkling wines, Malepère, Faugères, Cabardès, Muscats and part of the Terroirs des Coteaux du Languedoc including Picpoul de Pinet and the  ‘Grands Crus du Languedoc’ which consists of: Minervois La Livinière, Corbières Boutenac, Saint Chinian Roquebrun, Terrasses du Larzac, Grès de Montpellier, Pic Saint Loup, Pézenas, La Clape and still wines from Limoux

The CIVL states that each category is determined by its economic value and strict appellation rules and requirements must be respected. The new tiers were confirmed at the generic body’s annual general meeting on June 25. The AOC Languedoc ‘pyramid’ upon which the tiers stand, was introduced in 2007.

Jérôme Villaret, CIVL executive officer, said: “This will mould the future of the Languedoc region for the next 15 years.”

The CIVL also approved a plan of action based on technical, economic and marketing strategies, which will make up the framework of its activities for the coming years. The plan includes measures to control the quality and the quantity of Languedoc wines, plans to help wineries manage their production and sales strategies, as well as communication and promotional programs to energise sales.

CIVL president Frédéric Jeanjean said of the plans to raise the profile of quality wines from the region, that they hoped to “transform the Languedoc into a profitable, quality wine‐making region”.