Terrasses du Larzac

Located northwest of Montpellier, the Terrasses du Larzac vineyard is marked by the coolness that descends from the Larzac mountain plateau, with the symbolic landmark of Mont Baudile at over 850m. This particular geographical situation, with day/night temperature variations that can reach over 20 degrees in summer, favors slow, gradual ripening of the grapes, which is beneficial for the aromatic complexity and freshness of the wines. 

Terrasses du Larzac: red wines with the flavour of the land

Situated in the Occitanie region, between the Causses and the Cévennes, the Larzac region covers more than 1,000 km². Rich in unique cultural heritage and exceptional biodiversity, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. At the heart of this remarkable landscape lies the causse du Larzac, a karstic plateau between Aveyron and Hérault, 50 kilometers north of Montpellier. The Terrasses du Larzac vineyards, comprising over 560 hectares of planted vines, are set against its slopes.

A climate specific to this Languedoc terroir

This crescent-shaped Languedoc wine-growing region lies at an average altitude of 300 meters. Bordered by limestone cliffs, temperatures are cool compared to the rest of the region. In summer, the difference in temperature between day and night can be as much as 14°C. This specific climate enables the grapes to reach maturity very gradually: this is what gives Terrasses du Larzac red wine its aromatic complexity and freshness.

Les Terrasses du Larzac, an appellation of controlled origin

Thanks to its exceptional terroir and the hard work of its winemakers, Terrasses du Larzac wines have benefited from a fully-fledged appellation d'origine contrôlée since 2014. The Terrasses du Larzac AOC covers more than thirty communes in northern Hérault, where nearly 90 independent winemakers and 5 cooperatives work every day to showcase their wine production. When harvest time comes on the mountainous plateau, the grapes are picked at the right maturity for traditional vinification. To be able to offer a Terrasses du Larzac AOC organic wine, some winegrowers have chosen to turn to organic viticulture and winemaking, necessary to obtain the "Agriculture Biologique" label.

A blend of grape varieties to offer the best of Languedoc

Terrasses du Larzac wine, exclusively red, is a blend of at least two grape varieties. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan are among the five main grape varieties available to winemakers. Carignan, long maligned and shunned, has regained its Languedoc identity through perseverance. Over and above the grape variety itself, the winegrowers are keen to let the specific characteristics of the soil express themselves in each of their wines, whether it's clay-limestone, pebbles or ruffes (a name of Occitan origin for a red rock found in the Languedoc region, composed of clay and iron oxide). To bring out the best in this terroir, the AOC red wine is aged for a minimum of 12 months, at the end of which it can reveal its aromas and unique signature.

Les Terrasses du Larzac: the taste of quality wines

When tasted, Terrasses du Larzac red wine has a brilliant ruby-red color, tinged with intense reflections approaching violet. The wine is spicy, with a garrigue aroma and pronounced hints of thyme and laurel. Complex and well-balanced, it attacks with great freshness. Powerful, often tannic, it is nonetheless light. Bottles of Terrasses du Larzac wine can be kept for 3 to 5 years.