Cotes de Thongue: Domaine Coste Rousse Sauvignon l'Espiegle

The Languedoc, though often referred to loosely as a single entity, is not a wine appellation in its own right but a broad Mediterranean region encompassing a wealth of individual appellations. Traditionally, labels carried the specific titles of Languedoc AOC and its numerous sub-regions, from Corbières and Minervois to Pic Saint-Loup and Faugères. Since January 2016, the historic Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées regions have been administratively merged into Occitanie, France's newest region. Stretching along the coast from the Rhône towards the Spanish border, the Languedoc is one of France's largest and most diverse wine-producing areas.

Sitting in the north-central Languedoc, between Pézenas and Béziers, Cotes de Thongue's 14 villages enjoying a sun-drenched Mediterranean climate. The sea once covered the area, leaving soils rich in marine fossils that are easily found among the vines. Classed as an IGP, the region allows considerable freedom in grape varieties, producing some genuinely interesting and characterful wines. With the decline of the cooperatives and the rise of independent producers, this lesser-known region is beginning to shine and reveal its full potential.