IGP Coteaux de Béziers
100 % Mediterranean!
Béziers, the historic capital of the Languedoc wine region
The Béziers region, home to some of the oldest vineyards in Languedoc, is a historic cradle of Mediterranean winemaking. Renowned for its rich viticultural heritage, this area continues to produce wines that embody the authentic flavors and character of the Mediterranean.
Foundation
August 1
2009
Territory
17
communes
Production
28 600 hL
Producers
29 independent wineries,
5 co-operative wineries, and
20 wine merchants.
Colours
Red
21%
Rosé
51%
White
28%
Main grape varieties
authorized for the reds
Cabernet Sauvignon
Grenache
Cinsault
Carignan
Merlot
Main grape varieties
authorized for the rosés
Cabernet Sauvignon
Grenache
Cinsault
Carignan
Merlot
Main grape varieties
authorized for the whites
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier
Vermentino
terroir
Often, when referring to terroir, emphasis is entirely placed on the geology. Certainly the nature of the soils and sub-soils is essential, of course. But omitting to take into account the climate is tantamount to only addressing half of the issue of terroir.
With its hot, dry summers, mild winters and springs and autumns that are not lacking in periods of heavy rainfall, the Mediterranean climate that shapes the region’s weather patterns is ideally suited to growing vines. The region displays great aromatic diversity, with notes of red or even black fruits in the reds, red fruits in the rosés and citrus and white-fleshed fruits in the whites entwined with floral notes and garrigue perfumes.
History
As early as the 6th century BC, and even before the Phocaeans introduced them to Marseille, vines were grown in the region. The vineyards of Béziers and its surrounding area enjoyed their heyday under the Roman Empire and subsequently from the 17th to the 19th century, boosted by sea and rail transportation which promoted trade in wine and allowed some of the locals to amass considerable fortunes. They also experienced their hours of darkness, like at the turn of the 20th century, when a severe wine industry crisis led to mass demonstrations in 1907.