Wines of Roussillon

The Roussillon resembles an amphitheater dominated by highlands—often difficult to cross—that separate it from neighboring provinces. To the north of Roussillon lie the vertiginous slopes of the Corbières limestone barrier; to the west, the Roussillon cirque is dominated by the Canigou massif; and to the south, the Albères massif and the Roc de France form the border with Spain.

Roussillon’s climate is characterized by a dry summer season and a rainy period in the fall and early spring. This Mediterranean-type climate, influenced by the nearby mountains, promotes grape ripening. Geologically speaking, Roussillon is a turbulent region that underwent profound upheavals during the Tertiary and Quaternary periods. As a direct result of these numerous upheavals, the variety of soils and subsoils in Roussillon offers fascinating geological exploration, with each of the four main terroirs itself divided into a multitude of zones with distinct characteristics, some of which are recognized by a specific AOC.

The main grape varieties used in Roussillon wines are Carignan, Grenache, Lladoner Pelut, Mourvèdre, and Syrah for red wines, particularly those recognized by a local AOC such as Côtes du Roussillon Villages. Roussillon’s white wines are primarily made from White Grenache, Macabeu, Malvoisie, Muscat, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Vermentino. Roussillon is also home to famous appellations renowned for their naturally sweet wines: Rivesaltes, Banyuls, Collioure, and Maury.

Discover the Roussillon wineries: Mas Amiel, Clos des Fées, Mas Blanc, Roc des Anges, Rectorie, Vignerons de Maury, Bila Haut, Jau, Mas Becha, Le Soula, Tautavel, and Gauby
For more information, visit the official website for wines from the Roussillon region.