Terrasses du Larzac PDO

Terrasses-du-larzac, one of the most beautiful AOCs in the Languedoc

Formerly classified as a "coteaux du Languedoc", Terrasses-du-Larzac is now a full AOC. This recognition dates back to 2014, a just reward in view of the work carried out over many years by the region's winegrowers. The appellation produces exclusively red wines, high quality wines that express the terroir and the work of blending the grape varieties. Aromatic complexity, freshness and silky tannins characterise the wines of the AOC terrasses-du-larzac, as well as their price-pleasure ratio, which will surely seduce you.

General presentation of terrasses-du-larzac

The terrasses-du-larzac appellation area includes some 500 hectares of planted vines. They are spread over the foothills of the Larzac plateau, northwest of Montpellier. The vineyards are spread out around Aniane, in the Hérault, and include some thirty communes.

The vineyard is located on the Causse du Larzac and benefits from an exceptional geographical situation. The vines are indeed protected by the high limestone cliffs and they benefit from a Mediterranean climate while being far from the sea. The vineyard, as its name indicates, is also cultivated mainly at altitude, between 50 and 400 metres.

Moreover, the vineyards are relatively fragmented and the wines express the quality of their specific terroir. There is therefore a great diversity of products, even if the Languedoc typicity is expressed through the grape varieties used.

The Terrasses-du-Larzac appellation uses 5 different grape varieties, typical of the South West region. Among them, the winning trio is made up of Syrah, Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre, which must represent at least 60% of the blend. Cinsault and Carignan complete the local mix.

The result of meticulous blending work, a unique climate and particular terroirs, the Terrasses-du-Larzac AOC wines express the typicality of the South-Western vineyards, with their power and notes of garrigue, while playing the card of finesse and balance.

Characteristics of terrasses-du-larzac

The red wines of the Terrasses-du-Larzac appellation have a beautiful ruby colour, often with intense purple highlights. Their aromatic palette is dominated by characteristic notes of the garrigue: laurel, thyme, juniper, heather... We can also detect notes of black fruit, olives, liquorice and violet.

These wines are often spicy and tannic; they nevertheless show a beautiful freshness and a silky and supple character.

They also have good ageing potential. A terrasses-du-larzac can be aged for 3 to 5 years in the cellar, or even longer for the best of them.

How to taste a terrasses-du-larzac

With its aromas of the garrigues, a terrasses-du-larzac is a red wine that is perfectly suited to Mediterranean cuisine, especially if the dishes call for fish, red meat, game and sunny vegetables: piperades with peppers, rack of lamb with rosemary, wild boar stew, beef rib... An AOC Terrasses-du-Larzac vintage also goes well with blue-veined cheeses such as Roquefort. Finally, it goes well with chocolate-based desserts.

To serve it, prefer a temperature of 15-16°. Wines also need to be decanted about an hour before serving to open up fully. Decant older wines.