A Closer Look at the I.G.P. Côtes de Thongue

Having previously covered the basics of the larger Languedoc and Roussillon areas, which make up the combined Languedoc-Roussillon administrative district, I'll start focusing in on Indication Géographique Protégée (I.G.P.s) and Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (A.O.C.s) in the area to provide more detail on the diversity and beauty of the region. 

Here, let's take a closer look at the I.G.P. Côtes de Thongue.

The Côtes de Thongue is situated in the Languedoc, with vineyards spreading across the southern slopes of the Montagne Noire on a hilly landscape. The Montagne Noire lies at the southwestern end of the Massif Central, and its highest point reaches just over 1,200 meters above sea level atop the Pic de Nore.

The I.G.P is made up of twenty-three villages located a the triangle between Faugères, Pézenas and Béziers, occupying the Thongue river basin in the Hérault department, where the prefecture is the city of Montpellier.

The I.G.P. was created on August 1, 2009 after beginning as a Vin de Pays in 1982, and produces just under 50,000 hectoliters of wine annually on average. 

There are currently 65 private vineyards and 8 cellar cooperatives working in the I.G.P.

The climate is fully Mediterranean enjoying hot, sunny, and dry Summers, and milder, wetter Winters. Most precipitation occurs in late Autumn and Spring.

Vineyards are planted on sand and gravel-marl in the areas further north and east in the region, while clay is predominates in the central part of the region, and stone, terraced vineyards are more common in the southern part.

The most common varietals for making red and rosé wines are Cabernet Franc, Carignan Noir, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Pinot Noir and Syrah. 

The most common varietals for making white wines are Chardonnay, Muscat Blanc, Rolle, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.

While relatively balanced between red, rosé, and white wines in terms of production, rosé reigns king in the region. Approximately 42 percent of wines produced are rosés, while 30 percent are white wines, and 28 percent are red wines.

Red wines are typically characterized by full-bodied, fruity, and spicy, while rosé and white wines are balanced and restrained with bright acidity.