It has been two years since my last visit to Languedoc-Roussillon, that glorious slice of southern France that stretches along the Mediterranean between Carcassonne and Nîmes, and I miss the sunshine, the accent, the scented brush and the wine. In this most generous of regions, the ends of words are closed (“byeng” for
bien; “vang” for
vin) but everything else is wide open: the coastline curves like an embrace and wine flows unstinting from vast vineyards. This hasn’t always worked out well for the inhabitants, but as we have just lived through the Year of the Big No, I long for a place that knows only “yes” – or “
Liz Sagues
Terrasses du Larzac vines beneath Pic Saint Baudile.
- Credit: Georges Souche.
When we can travel again there s one place at the top of my destination wish-list. Already, I ve been transported to this little-known and beautiful corner of southern France, virtually via a webinar and physically through its wines. That s whetted my appetite for more.
These reds express extraordinary character, of both place and people. From such a limited area – some 45 kilometres by 20 – they also show fascinating variety. They go from fruit-led and elegant, with silky tannins, to a wild and savoury essence of spiky herbs and brushwood; some are rich and immediately fulfilling while others are more introspective yet ultimately hugely rewarding. All are aromatic, with freshness balancing alcohol, and are blissful companions to grilled red meat or roast vegetables particularly.