A vast variety of soil types and a typically-Mediterranean climate
Just as the grape type constitutes an important reference on a wine list, understanding the soil type and the climate is also interesting for the consumer, since it provides useful information on the taste and character of the wine.
An incredible variety of soil types
In the Languedoc region, we find a vast variety of soil types that vary according to the origin-controlled labels: vast pebble terraces, sandstone and calcareous clay, limestone and shale, clayey soils, pudding stone, sandy soils, molasse, etc., all assets of the Languedoc soils, constituting the individual characteristics of each label of origin.
A typically-Mediterranean climate, albeit slightly different to the East
In the Languedoc, the most Southern region of the country, the climate is essentially Mediterranean. Summers are hot and dry with spring and autumn being rather warm, despite a few possible frosty mornings in April. Winters are also quite mild and sunny with temperatures rarely falling below 0°C. Rainfall is slight (among the lowest in France in some areas) and the Tramontana strong winds help dry the grapes and prevent disease. This is the ideal climate for cultivating the vine. Further west, however, the Mediterranean touch diminishes, mingled with the characteristics of the oceanic climate and influencing the Cabardès and Malepère labels in particular. Here the mildness of the Atlantic meets up with the harshness of the Mediterranean giving rise to a climate of transition.
differentwines.wordpress.com 