In this fourth episode of our podcast, ‘A New Appellation is Born!’, we stop off at the Lodève Museum. Listen as the winegrowers explain some of the technical aspects of the appellation and the high standards they set for themselves. The diversity of the terroirs has encouraged the planting of a wide variety of grape varieties; it is also what has led to the rise (or perhaps the resurgence?) of Cinsault and Carignan Noir, to which the winegrowers are deeply attached and which they wished to give a prominent place in the AOC specifications. Sébastien Fillon (Le Clos du Serres), president of the appellation’s trade association, points out: “Our working methods are governed by a set of specifications that are demanding, because we collectively agreed that these high standards would result in a quality and standard of wine of which we would be proud and which would be recognised.”

Far from stifling creativity, however, the specifications provide a framework that allows us to belong to the same family. Jean-Baptiste Granier (Les Vignes Oubliées) puts it perfectly: “The terroir and the appellations will remain; we are merely passing through (…) For me, the appellation is the finest invention for preserving freedom and diversity.”

Credits

Sébastien Fillon, Winemaker at Clos du Serres in St Jean de la Blaquière, and current President of the AOC Terrasses du Larzac wine syndicate

Jean-Pierre Venture, winemaker at Mas de la Séranne, Aniane, and former President of the AOC Terrasses du Larzac wine syndicate

Jean-Baptiste Granier, winemaker at Les Vignes Oubliées in St Jean de la Blaquière

This podcast was directed by Alexandre Héraud, with support from his team at Écran Sonore, in particular Vincent Decque, editor.

The podcast was produced for the series Wine Routes, and can be found on our web application "Itinérances en Terrasses du Larzac" : https://visit.terrasses-du-larzac.com/ This web app was developed in partnership with Vinoways, a Montpellier-based start-up. It was financed with the support of Occitanie Region, and European LEADER programme funds administered by Pays Cœur d'Hérault (destination Vineyards and Discoveries "Languedoc Heart of Hérault").

Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.