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AOC COTEAUX DU LANGUEDOC APPELLATION AREA The appellation Coteaux du Languedoc was replaced on May 2007 by the AOC Languedoc which stretches along the Mediterranean cost, from the Spanish frontier to Nimes, on the foothills of the Montagne Noire and the Cévennes. GEOLOGY Very diverse constituted of Limestone Mountains and slate soils with also gravelly soil due to rivers of Languedoc. CLIMATE The characteristic of this Mediterranean climate, common to the entire appellation is marked by a hot and dry season which is tempered by the relief. The diversity and the specificities of the different regions have allowed the definition of major climatic zones. GRAPES Principal grapes for the red and the rosé: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (50% minimum and 20% minimum Syrah Mourvèdre) Cinsault and Carignan. For the Pic St Loup: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre (90 % minimum). For the Clape and the Grés de Montpellier: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre (70% minimum). VINIFICATION Red: traditional fermentation carbonic maceration Rosé: by saignée White: direct pressing KEY FIGURES 10 000 ha classed 2 000 producers 80 cooperative wineries 450 particular wineries Basic yield 47 hl (78% red, 10% rosé, 12% white) Sales General Distribution: 72 000 hl (22%) Export: 145 500 hl (43%) Storehouse outputs (60%)
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