Languedoc-Roussillon runs along France's Mediterranean coast down to the Spanish border, and its southern half, Roussillon, is where things get really distinctive. This is Catalan country, a sunny, dry corner of vineyards on schist terraces that gives France its greatest fortified sweet wines alongside deep, powerful dry reds. Add the broad value of the wider Languedoc behind it and you have one of the country's most rewarding corners to explore.
Banyuls, Maury and the sweet wines of Roussillon
Roussillon's signature is the vin doux naturel, France's answer to port, where fermentation is stopped with a splash of neutral grape spirit to keep the natural sweetness. Banyuls comes from steep coastal terraces near the town of Collioure and is built mostly on old-vine Grenache Noir, its oxidative styles carrying notes of coffee, dried fig and cocoa. Maury, inland and higher up, is cut from the same cloth, while Rivesaltes and the grapey Muscat de Rivesaltes round things out. A glass of Banyuls with dark chocolate is one of the great classic pairings. Browse the full fortified wine range for more.
Powerful dry reds and everyday Languedoc value
The same sunshine that ripens the sweet wines also makes serious dry reds. On the coast, Collioure turns out concentrated bottles from Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah, while Maury Sec shows what old-vine Grenache and Carignan can do when picked for the table rather than the fortified vat. Inland, the broad Languedoc supplies honest, sun-filled reds at prices that are hard to beat. Follow the grapes into our Grenache selection, dig into the wider Languedoc, or browse the best red wine from across the south of France.
Languedoc-Roussillon FAQ
What is a vin doux naturel?
It is a lightly fortified sweet wine. Winemakers add neutral grape spirit part way through fermentation, which stops the yeast and locks in the natural grape sugar. Banyuls, Maury and Rivesaltes are the famous Roussillon examples.
What food pairs with Banyuls and Maury?
Dark chocolate is the classic match, from a rich fondant to a simple square of 70 percent cocoa. They also work beautifully with blue cheese such as Roquefort and with coffee-flavoured desserts.
Are the dry reds good value?
Very. The wider Languedoc is one of the best sources of affordable, sun-ripened red in France, while old-vine bottlings from Roussillon and the hillside sites offer real depth for the money.