Languedoc Roussillon: The Wines and Winemakers

Extensively updated since it first appeared in 2002, this is a systematic and enthusiastic survey of France's most productive wine region. For much of the last century, it was famed for productivity rather than its quality, the principal source of "the great European wine lake," which disgorged a great deal of plonk into the world market. However, over the last several decades, many local winemakers have shifted their emphasis to employ new techniques in the vineyards and the wineries, resulting in some extraordinary wines. The movement is far from universal, however. Fortunately, Paul Strang's survey of nearly 700 producers in this volume offers significant guideposts for navigating the region's production. Arranged regionally, with many helpful maps should you be traveling in the area, the book strives to recognize only those establishments that are above the average standard, up to and including those who Strang feels are world-class. Entries address the character of the wines, including production methods, highlight noteworthy offerings, and seek to distinguish those which will need some aging to achieve their full potential. Paperback. Color photographs throughout.