78. Languedoc Wines Explained: PDO vs IGP and Why Languedoc Is France’s Most Underrated Wine Destination

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Resources & Links

If you have questions about our upcoming trips to The South of France, we are hosting a Zoom info session on October 15th. Get the Zoom link here: www.wineeducate.com/trips

If you want to learn more about our upcoming trips, visit: www.wineeducate.com/trips

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Hello friend, and welcome to Episode 78 of the Wine Educate podcast! I’m your host, Joanne Close, and today we’re diving into the Languedoc, a region that is near and dear to my heart.

As some of you know, my parents bought a vineyard here 25 years ago, so this has been my summer stomping ground for decades. Now that I’m running wine trips, I get even more excuses to visit—not just my parents, but also this extraordinary, and often underrated, corner of France. I’ve had some of the best meals and most memorable bottles of wine in the Languedoc, and I can’t wait to share its story with you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why Jancis Robinson calls Languedoc “France’s best value.”

• The history behind the name “Languedoc” and its three central departments: Aude, Hérault, and Gard.

• How the Languedoc evolved from producing France’s bulk wines to becoming home to exciting AOCs.

• The importance of IGP wines here (60% of France’s IGP wines come from this region!).

• The role of wind, sunshine, and climate in shaping viticulture.

• Key appellations and sub-appellations you should know for your wine studies.

• Signature grape varieties and styles—from bold reds to refreshing Picpoul de Pinet and sparkling wines of Limoux.

• Personal stories from my family’s vineyard and why this region continues to inspire me.

Why This Matters

The Languedoc is literally watching itself reinvent and redefine quality. It’s vast, diverse, and still evolving, which makes it both exciting to study and rewarding to drink from. Whether you’re studying for WSET or just looking for amazing value wines, the Languedoc has something for you.

Resources & Links

If you have questions about our upcoming trips to The South of France, we are hosting a Zoom info session on October 15th. Get the Zoom link here: www.wineeducate.com/trips

If you want to learn more about our upcoming trips, visit: www.wineeducate.com/trips

To receive study tips, quizzes, and information on upcoming classes, sign up for our newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup