Wine Region of Languedoc-Roussillon in France (+ Arrogant Frog Wine Review)

Did you know the region were I grew up and lived for 20 years in the South of France, the Languedoc-Roussillon, is the LARGEST PRODUCER OF WINE IN THE WORLD!?

And just to give you an idea, Languedoc-Roussillon region is about 30 times smaller than New South Wales, so vineyards are simply everywhere! I miss the very unique landscape: a mix of coat line (Mediterranean), mountains (Pyrenees) and vines and realise how lucky I have been to grow up in such a special place. 

Wine making and wine appreciation is part of everyone's life in France and in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Both my parents' family had vines and made their own blend each year. 

What makes wine from the Languedoc-Roussillon so unique

• An incredible variety of soil types:  vast pebble terraces, sandstone and calcareous clay, limestone and shale, clayey soils, sandy soils, etc.
• A typically-Mediterranean climate: In the Languedoc, one of the most Southern regions of the country, the climate is essentially Mediterranean (similar to Spain, Italy, Greece and North Africa). Summers are hot and dry (very much like in Sydney) with spring and autumn being rather warm. Winters are also quite mild and mostly sunny with temperatures rarely falling below 0°C. Rainfall is among the lowest in France in some areas and the strong wind helps dry the grapes and prevent disease.  
• The history of the Languedoc vineyard begins with the Greeks, when the vine was introduced in the 5th Century B.C.  And like many other French vineyards, it developed considerably under the impetus of the Romans, having taken up the torch as fine connoisseurs of vine cultivation of their state.  Since then, the wine-growing industry has played a significant role in the regional economy.
• Most Languedoc-Roussillon red wines are blends
• They are 12 AOCs (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée - Origin-Controlled Wine) labels just in the Languedoc-Roussillon region itself (including Minervois, Corbieres, Limoux etc).  

Arrogant Frog 2011 Ribet RedArrogant Frog is the name of a wine that was born in the Herault Valley in Languedoc Roussillon in the south of France. The wine maker behind the Arrogant Frog is a French man called Jean-Claude Mas. The Arrogant Frog label now sells some 10 million bottles annually worldwide, and is available in Australia through Woolworths Liquor, Dan Murphy’s and BWS.

My opinion about the Arrogant Frog 2011 Ribet Red: Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

♥ Easy drinking wine with soft tannins and a long blackberry finish
♥ Deep purple in colour with intense, fruit driven aromas and a seductively silky palate
♥ Perfect red to enjoy with grilled lamb chops from the BBQ or pasta dishes (lasagana maybe?)
♥ Fun label with modern drawings and sarcastic character of a frog (I even got a limited edition "Tour de Frog"!)
♥ Overall: good quality French wine for a great bargain (less than $15 a bottle!)

 

Why I love Arrogant Frog wine

I indulge on Arrogant Frog wine regularly at home, especially when I feel a little home sick! Admiring, breathing and then appreciating a Languedoc-Roussillon region wine gives my senses a unique tasting pleasure: the characteristic bouquet of the Garrigue. I can almost taste the delight of stunning landscapes, Mediterranean gardens and stone plateaux, the ancient and beautiful Roman and Cathar architecture, the colourful Languedoc cuisine, the warm welcome of the winegrowers or the flourishing villages, the unstoppable wind and traditions…

For more information, visit Arrogant Frog website

 

What is your favourite wine?