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Alongside the vineyards of Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon is the most prolific producer of wine in the whole of France.

The region has 13 wines classified as AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée).

This means that the wine comes from a defined area and is made from specific varieties of grape - guaranteeing a standard quality.

These classifications are:
Seven AOC dry wines: Collioure, Cotes du Roussillon, Cotes du Roussillon Villages (including a further four specific AOCs bearing the name of the village of production).

Six AOC natural sweet wines: Rivesaltes, Muscat de Rivesaltes, Maury, Banyuls, Banyuls Grand Cru and Grand Roussillon.

Wines are graded as:

There are many centres for wine tasting in the area (dégustation), which are a must for anyone with a love of fine wine.

You can buy directly from the producer or wine cooperative. Look out for caves (producers selling outlets), where you can buy bottles, cases or en vrac (bring your own containers!).

In a restaurant you order by the glass (un verre), by the picher (un pichet - usually a 1/4 litre) or bottle (une bouteille).

hot tips

We've compiled a list of some noteworthy négociants and caves particulières within easy driving distance of the house, for more information visit www.vins-du-roussillon.com.