Pays d’Oc.

Understanding the Pays d’Oc.

Why drink wine from the Pays d’Oc?

The Pays d’Oc is an excellent choice for those starting or continuing their journey in wine. The wines are focused on displaying the grape variety making it an easy choice for someone familiar with a few international grapes.

What is the Pays d’Oc?

The Pays d’Oc can be a confusing area. It is an IGP rather than an appellation. This means the IGP covers a territory rather than specific ‘terroirs’ and that the rules are more relaxed. This freedom allows producers to make exceptional wines in the style that suits their winemaking style and their vineyard site. Pays d’Oc covers the entire Languedoc Roussillon area in the South of France and makes up 78% of Frances IGP wine.

 The Grapes.

A large number (58) grape varieties are permitted and these can either be produced solo or in blends. Key grapes include international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The list also includes letter known varieties such as Caladoc and Négrette. Red wine covers over half of the IGP production followed by white and a smaller proportion of rosé. Even though rosé production is smaller many exceptional examples compete easily with the famed Provence rosés and are often at a much lower price point.

Quality is Key!

Quality is a key factor to achieve the Pays d’Oc identification. Each of the certified wines is tasted by a panel and then selected. Both independent producers and cooperatives are involved in the production of Pays d’Oc with some of the best wines being made by the latter. Pays d’Oc offers a great choice of wine styles at great value for money.