Known for its natural sweet wines, the Roussillon vineyard is second only to that of Languedoc. It is located in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales. These two farms form the wine region of Languedoc-Roussillon.
What do you need to know about the Roussillon vineyard?
The Roussillon vineyard is surrounded by three massifs (Corbières, Albères and Canigou), as well as by the Mediterranean Sea. Its location allows it to enjoy a Mediterranean climate favourable to the cultivation of grapes.
You will find a wide variety of wines in the Roussillon vineyard. Discover with pleasure the natural sweet wines Rivesaltes, Muscat de Rivesaltes or Maury. The estate also offers drinks with protected geographical indication (PGI) such as Pyrénées-Orientales or Côtes-catalanes.
And of course, it has various appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOC). You will find for example the Côtes-du-Roussillon, the Côtes-du-Roussillon villages or the Collioure.
What about the wine routes of the Roussillon vineyards?
If you're passionate about oenology, you'll find plenty to please you on the Roussillon wine routes. This 20,600-hectare estate is full of places to visit and activities to do.
The oenological itinerary starts in the village of Cerbère, not far from the Spanish border. Let yourself be seduced by its architecture, its numerous hiking trails and the sea nearby. Slowly walk up the Côte Vermeille and admire the landscape alternating vineyards and nature.
All along the Roussillon wine routes, you won't get tired of the different villages and tourist sites. In the village of Tautavel, stop at the prehistoric museum. In the middle of the archaeological collections awaits you the oldest man discovered in France. Finally, don't forget to visit the various wineries along the Roussillon.
Which wineries can you visit for a winery tour in the Roussillon vineyards?
On the Roussillon wine routes, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to wineries. Here are a few places to know.
The Clos des Vins d'Amour
This family vineyard dating from 1860 opens its doors to you in Perpignan. Under the Dornier family's leadership, farmers transform white, black and grey Grenache into quality wines. But also carignan and mourvèdre.
The Clos des Vins d'Amour offers you various activities. You can choose to visit the wine-making facilities and take advantage of the explanations of the estate's oenologists. You also have the possibility to walk in the vineyard to better admire the grape varieties used. And at the end of these activities, you will enjoy a tasting of the characteristic wines of the Roussillon vineyard.
The Domaine de Vénus
The Domaine de Vénus is located in Maury. This exploitation was born following the initiative of a dozen wine enthusiasts. Together, they started producing generous red, rosé and white wines. Their aim is to offer silky, fine and elegant drinks.
During your visit to this winery in the Roussillon vineyard, you will enjoy a presentation of the estate by the cellar master. Afterwards, you will savour different wines from the estate.
The Madeloc Estate
This farm is located near Côte Vermeille, in Banyuls-sur-Mer. Stretching over 16 hectares, it benefits from the Mediterranean climate and a schist soil. These factors ensure the particular flavour of its wines.
Since its creation in 2002, the estate has offered its visitors the opportunity to taste some AOC wines. During your visit, you too can taste the Collioure and Banyuls appellations from the Roussillon vineyards.
Roussillon is one of the essential stops on the Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Route.
Among the main towns of Roussillon you can find Montpellier, Nîmes, Narbonne et Perpignan
Some of these winemakers wines are available Roussillon, Buy wine online
