IGP Pays d'Hérault French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
IGP Pays d'Hérault is a departmental protected geographical indication covering the Hérault, the heart of Languedoc, used for expressive, sun-ripened reds, rosés and whites, including some of the region's most creative wines.
More info about IGP Pays d'Hérault
Geographic position
Southern France, across the Hérault department, from the Mediterranean coast and the Étang de Thau around Montpellier, Sète and Béziers inland to the foothills of the Cévennes, the Larzac plateau and the Montagne Noire.
Origin & history
The Hérault has been planted since Greek and Roman times and was for long France's largest wine-producing department. The Vin de Pays de l'Hérault was created in 1987 and became an IGP in 2009; it gained worldwide recognition through pioneering estates such as Mas de Daumas Gassac, which chose this category to work freely outside AOC rules.
Wines & grape varieties
Reds and rosés from Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; whites from Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat and Vermentino. Expect ripe dark fruit, garrigue and spice in reds, citrus and floral notes in whites.
Climate & soil
Hot, dry Mediterranean climate. Limestone, schist, basalt, red clay and alluvial soils.
Wine region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Vermentino, Viognier