French officials have approved Terrasses du Larzac in Languedoc-Roussillon as a standalone appellation, offering more evidence of the region's improving reputation.

Vincent Goumard, of Mas Cal Demoura. Image: David Furer

Formerly referred to as ‘Coteaux du Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac‘, the new AOC spreads across 2,000 hectares of 60 wine producers and five cooperatives located west and north of Montpellier.

It covers 32 communes at an elevation of between 80 and 200 metres above sea level.

The approval from France’s national appellation body, INAO, is a further sign of Languedoc’s ascent as a quality wine region following a long history of producing bulk wine.

AOC Terrasses du Larzac is only for red wines comprised of a minimum of three varieties from Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan, Syrah and Cinsault.

The first four of those varieties must represent at least 75% of a qualifying vineyard, and yields must not exceed 45hl/ha.

‘The reputation of our terroir among professionals and amateurs, and moreover the significant coverage by the press, proved that there was deeper historical basis here for top-quality wines,’ said Mas Cal Demoura’s Vincent Goumard, who is also president of the area’s producers’ union.

He thanked other recognised producers in the appellation, such as Mas Jullien, Montcalmes and La Peira, for their help in securing AOC status.

It is now hoped that Languedoc’s La Clape will follow in Terrasses du Larzac’s footsteps. Christophe Bousquet, proprietor of Chateau Pech Redon and president of La Clape’s growers’ union, told Decanter.com he hopes for a positive decision this year.

Written by David Furer in Languedoc-Roussillon