Pays d'Oc

IGP Pays d'Oc wines are produced in Languedoc-Roussillon across four departments bordering the Mediterranean: Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, Hérault, and Gard. Since 1987, IGP Pays d’Oc wines have risen to the challenges of modern and global markets, showcasing their Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) through quality improvements in their production methods and vineyards.

Nestled between the steep slopes of the Pyrenees, rolling hills, vineyards, garrigue, and the Mediterranean, the Pays d’Oc offers a wealth of authentic charm. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, the vines thrive on this arid land caressed by the winds. The IGP Pays d’Oc appellation covers some 88,000 hectares, allowing for an annual production of over 5.5 million hectoliters of wine. Among these wines, the following stand out in particular: the vintages from Domaine d’Aigues Belles, the wines of Jean Luc Colombo, Domaine Laroche – Mas La Chevalière, and Domaine La Madura.

The blends of IGP Pays d’Oc wines are creative, and their packaging is innovative. They reflect the latest trends in taste and lifestyle. Wines from southern France, born under the Mediterranean sun, IGP Pays d’Oc wines showcase their grape varieties and appeal to those who prioritize the quality of a wine with character at the best price. With 33 grape varieties, they grace every table and are perfect for any occasion… Among the red and rosé IGP Pays d’Oc wines, you’ll find the main grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache Noir, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Marselan, and Petit Verdot. The white wines are made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Terret Blanc, Muscat Petits Grains, Marsanne, and Vermentino.

The Pays d’Oc was formerly known as “vin de Pays d’Oc,” a name derived from the regional IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) designation, one of the regions in France where a great deal of wine is produced. This primarily refers to the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region in southwestern France. Generally, Pays d’Oc wines are made from white, red, and rosé grape varieties.

Ranked among the best winemakers, the Languedoc winemakers continue to raise the bar for their products. Driven by this desire for improvement, Languedoc winemakers have focused on producing high-quality wines. Convinced of the quality and potential of the Languedoc terroirs, these winemakers have produced great wines recognized nationwide. They have turned their attention to crafting wines that reflect the region’s true character—notably wines that are neither heavy nor unbalanced, with a generous character and flavor, and a rich array of aromas.

In general, the vineyards of the Pays d’Oc account for 60% of French wine production, or 5.3 million hectoliters of wine. These vineyards have quite distinctive characteristics, stretching from the Cévennes to the Languedoc plain and on to the Corbières mountain range. The soils are schistose, clay-limestone, with stony sand, yielding complex and varied aromas.

With vineyards covering an area of 90,000 hectares, the Pays d’Oc appellation consists of 90% Languedoc grape varieties with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. Currently, there are more than 50 grape varieties available to French, European, and—above all—international consumers.

Also known as Sauvignon, white Pays d’Oc wine ranges in color from deep to pale yellow. On the nose, it offers hints of citrus along with aromas of ivy and boxwood. Upon tasting, it delivers a lively attack and a certain freshness.

Pays d’Oc red wine, or Syrah, has a fairly deep ruby color with violet highlights. On the nose, it is intense, clean, and explosive, with aromas of ripe black and red fruits such as raspberry and blackcurrant. On the palate, this wine is supple, powerful, yet lively. It is distinguished by its lingering aroma. Many winemakers age this wine for up to 5 years to further enhance its flavor. Best enjoyed with grilled red meats and charcuterie, red Pays d’Oc wine should be served at a temperature of 16 °C.

If you’ve ever come across Pays d’Oc rosé wine, you probably know that it’s also called Grenache. As its name suggests, it’s characterized by its bright salmon-pink color. At first glance, you can “taste” it with your nose and sense its freshness and delicacy. The most prominent aromas in Pays d’Oc rosé are red currant, strawberry, and blackberry. These fruity notes are complemented by hints of spice and flowers. On the palate, this wine offers an exquisite texture that is at once full-bodied, refined, and, above all, lively. Best enjoyed as an aperitif, this wine should be served at 10°C.