AOC Terrasses du Larzac

Production centres

Aniane, Arboras, Argelliers, Le Bosc, Brissac, Causse de la Selle, Ceyras, Gignac (partly), Jonquières, Lagamas, Lauroux, Mérifons, Montoulieu, Montpeyroux, Moules et Baucels, Murles, Octon, Pegairolles de Bueges, Pegairolles de l’Escalette, Poujols, Puechabon, Saint André de Sangonis, Saint André de Buèges, Saint Félix de Lodez, Saint Guiraud, Saint Jean de Buèges, Saint Jean de Fos, Saint Jean de la Blaquière, Saint-Privat, Saint-Saturnin de Lucian, Soubes, Usclas du Bosc.

Annual production

76 809 hl (including Saint-Saturnin et Montpeyroux).

Soil

Sandy, stony soil, red ‘ruffes’ in horizontal layers: limestone marl with overhanging cliffs of Jurassic limestone. Closer to the Hérault, cryoclastic limestone deposits with terraces of shingle down to the river.

Climate

The climate zone with the widest temperature variations, it enjoys relatively cool summer nights thanks to its distance from the sea and proximity to the mountainous Causse. As a result the grapes mature slowly and steadily which is beneficial both to their colour and the wines’ aromatic qualities.

The area is part of the historic Diocese of Lodève. Since the days of Roman Gaul, it has benefited from its position close to a major traffic route, an artery known as the Cessero to Segodunum Way (St Thibéry to Rodez), linking the highlands of the Massif Central and the Mediterranean coastlands. Grape growers have always lived around here.