The diversity of origins, structures, philosophies and the regional framework of the production area combined with numerous grape varieties and people allow for infinite combinations and aromatic expressions of the wines.
Nevertheless, the winemakers remain faithful to the successful concept of Pays d'Oc IGP, which for over 30 years has predominantly relied on single-varietal wines and conveys a clear, easy-to-understand message worldwide.
Traditionally, winegrowing in the south of France stands for cuvées and the blending of different grape varieties.
In the 1980s, however, the winegrowers of Languedoc-Roussillon wanted to try out other varieties on their soils. They wanted to show that in the Mediterranean climate of their region, a variety of grape varieties would find the best conditions and produce convincing wines - and that they would also be bottled as single varietals. Initially as Vin de Pays d'Oc, in the meantime under the designation Pays d'Oc IGP.
The innovative concept of wines from only one grape variety gave the winemakers unprecedented freedom to act and create. At the beginning, only a small group of pioneers were attracted by the concept, but their example soon caught on. Today, there are around 1000 independent winegrowers and 160 cooperatives producing single-varietal Pays d'Oc IGP wines in the four departments of Languedoc-Roussillon. These are distributed among 930 independent vineyards, which have been passed down through the generations in the families, and 150 so-called "Caves Coopératives" (cooperatives) with a total of 12,930 winegrowers and their families.
The traditional Mediterranean grape varieties such as Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre are joined by the most famous French red varieties Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Malbec, as well as the new varieties Marselan and Caladoc. Among the white varieties, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier are frequently represented, but Gewürztraminer and even Riesling are also vinified as Pays d'Oc IGP.
In total, the range comprises 58 different varieties.
The Mediterranean varieties are often used for the light, fruity and increasingly popular rosé wines. The classic red varieties are ideal for pleasantly round and velvety or even powerful red wines, while the globally appreciated white varieties give appealing and lively white wines. in 2019, five innovative fungus-resistant varieties have been added to the selection, giving winemakers the opportunity to experiment with environmentally friendly new varieties.
The rise of rosé
Pays d'Oc IGP is now the most important producer of rosé wines in France. These are made from 27 different grape varieties. The bestsellers have been Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah for years. But Merlot and harmonious blends also enjoy great popularity, while some producers surprise with original rosés made from Cabernets, Pinot Noir or Grenache Gris. In the meantime, rosés have surpassed white wines and will reach 272.9 million bottles produced in 2021. A record!
Pays d'Oc Learn more
Land of the grape varieties
Pays d'Oc entries 2022
Alma Cersius
Anne de Joyeuse
Blanville
Château Borie Neuve
Château de L'Herbe Sainte
Château des Coccinelles
Domaine de La Cendrillon
Domaine de Saint Cels
Domaine Gérard Bertrand
Domaine La Provenquière
Domaine les Yeuses
Domaine Pujol
Domaine Py
Domaine Ricardelle de Lautrec
Domaine Villepeyroux Forest
Le Rosé de Bessan
Les Jamelles
Les Vignobles Foncalieu
Maison Jeanjean
MAS DU NOVI
Pierrick Harang Wine
SCA Les Collines du Bourdic
