Roussillon Region

Everything you need to know about the Roussillon region

Roussillon is a wine-growing region located in the far south of France, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Spanish border. Long associated with Languedoc, the Roussillon vineyards possess a strong identity, marked by a very sunny climate, complex geology, and a long winemaking tradition. They produce red, white, and rosé wines, as well as their emblematic fortified wines.

A vineyard with a distinctly Mediterranean climate

Roussillon enjoys a hot and dry Mediterranean climate , sometimes described as almost Spanish. Summers are long and sunny, winters mild, and rainfall is concentrated mainly in autumn and spring in the form of thunderstorms.

The vineyard is surrounded by the Albères, Canigou and Corbières mountain ranges , and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. This topography creates a wide variety of exposures and microclimates, favorable to the cultivation of vines but also to that of fruits such as apricots, peaches, cherries or nectarines.

Highly diverse soils

The soils of Roussillon are among the most varied in France. They include:

• schists , very present especially in the Agly valley

• alluvial terraces

• limestone , clay-limestone , gneissic or granitic soils

This geological diversity allows for the production of wines with very different profiles depending on the areas and appellations.

Grape varieties and wine styles

The wines of Roussillon are mostly made from blends.
The main grape varieties are:

• Grenache (noir, gris and blanc), the central grape variety of the region

• Carignan , Syrah , Mourvèdre for the reds

• Grenache Blanc , Macabeu , Malvoisie , Muscat for the whites

The reds are often sunny and structured, the whites can be both mineral and expressive, and the rosés remain more exclusive.

The naturally sweet wines of Roussillon

Roussillon is historically known for its naturally sweet wines (VDN) , produced by mutage: the addition of grape marc brandy to a partially fermented must allows some of the natural sugars to be retained.

The most iconic is Banyuls , the only naturally sweet wine in France to be awarded the Grand Cru designation. Made primarily from Grenache grapes grown on schist terraces by the sea, it is aged for a long time, often in oak barrels, sometimes in the sun, developing aromas of dried fruit, cocoa, coffee, and oxidative notes known as rancio . These wines are often recommended as a pairing with chocolate.

Appellations of Roussillon

The Roussillon vineyard includes several major appellations:

• Côtes du Roussillon , which includes a large proportion of red and white wines

• Côtes du Roussillon Villages , concentrated in the north of the region

• Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres , for wines from the south

• Banyuls and Banyuls Grand Cru , for naturally sweet wines

Many wines are also marketed under the IGP Côtes Catalanes , allowing more freedom in blends and styles.

Food and wine pairings from Roussillon

The red wines of Roussillon go well with grilled meats, spicy dishes or Mediterranean cuisine.
White wines pair well with fish, oysters, Collioure anchovies or dishes made with sun-ripened fruits and vegetables.
Naturally sweet wines are particularly suited to desserts, chocolate, or sweet and savory pairings.

Estates of Roussillon to discover

This selection highlights estates that are representative of the diversity and renewal of the Roussillon vineyards:

• Rock of Angels

• François Lurton Vineyards

• Gilles Trouiller

• Domaine Rière Cadène

These estates allow you to explore Roussillon through dry and sweet wines, accessible as well as more assertive, always marked by their Mediterranean origin.