Coteaux du Libron
Coteaux du Libron: southern charm in a glass
The Coteaux du Libron designation of origin is named after the eponymous river, which rises in the south of Languedoc in the foothills of the Cévennes, flowing into the Mediterranean 44 kilometres later. Today, the majority of wines that come onto the market under the Coteaux du Libron designation are from international varieties like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and are distinguished by their strong relationship between quality and price.
The Coteaux du Libron cultivation area is located in the Département Hérault, in the hilly hinterland of the coast. Limestone cliffs, ravines and the typical garrigue-scrub landscape dominate the land. Farmers here traditionally hail from agriculture and livestock farming. Only after the expansion of railways and the commercial port in the nearby city of Sète did the area become a point of interest for viticulture..
Terroir from marl and sand
The climate is influenced by the Mediterranean; precipitation, at around 400 to 600 millimetres per year per square metre, is low. Cool wind flows from the northwest, however. These provide consistent cooling during the growing season, which promotes the development of aromas in the grapes. As the Coteaux du Libron is located in the transition area between the hills and the coastal plain, soil conditions vary. In the north, the soils consist of marl and sediments from the Tertiary period; however, in the southern area, near the coast, alluvial soils with a high proportion of sand dominate.
Great diversity of varieties
The region was once considered a source of simple everyday wines, but quality has improved significantly in the last 30 years through investment in cultivation and vinification. In 1982, the growing area was recognized as Vin de Pays. Later, this designation was changed to the Coteaux du Libron IGP (Indication géographique protégée), to which 17 villages belong today. 15 individual wine producers and five cooperatives in the designation of origin bottle around 20,000 hectolitres of wine each year. Both long-established and newly introduced grape varieties are authorized for the designation of origin. Wines from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are particularly impressive thanks to their Mediterranean charm, wholesome freshness and a strong relationship between price and quality.
