The Languedoc Roussillon region is arguably France's most important wine region in terms of volume, producing approximately 33% of all French wines. Dating back to 125 BC, the first French vineyard in the region, then known as Plantea, was established in Narbo (modern day Narbonne). Today, the vines of the central southern departments of Aude, Herault and Gard total nearly 300,000 hectares of vines. Low lying alluvial plains support both traditional Aramon and Carignan varieties along with more recent additions of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre. Between 1983 and 1993, some 35,000 hectares were replanted with Merlot, Marsanne, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc vines.
Around 80% of production falls into the Vin de Pays, or "Country Wine" category. The term was formalised in 1979 to recognise and encourage the production of wines that are distinctly superior to Vin De Table wines. Only 10% of France's Appellation Controlée wines come from the Languedoc Roussillon region. White wine represents less than 10% of the regional production. The region's warm to hot climate and low rainfall near the coast necessitate strictly specified irrigation limits. Regulations also cover production area, wine varieties, ripeness and alcoholic strength, yields, vine density, pruning regime, vine training systems and irrigation, and wine making techniques.
