Red and rosé sales of Languedoc wines post outstanding growth of 62% in value
Narbonne (Languedoc), FRANCE (May 11, 2023) – Following the release of 2022 year-end results, the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL) has announced that the U.S. remains the number one export market for Languedoc wines. Total exports across all styles grew 17% by value as of year-end 2022, reflecting growing appreciation in the U.S. for quality wines from Languedoc. Consumer demand for Languedoc reds and rosés is particularly noteworthy: Combined, red and rosé styles increased 62% in value and 32% in import volume (2021 to 2022). Total exports surpassed 960,000 cases of wine sold across all styles, a metric that cements Languedoc as a region to watch in the U.S market.
“More than ever before, we’re finding that U.S. trade and consumers recognize the combination of savoir faire, adventure and quality that Languedoc delivers,” said Olivier Legrand, Director of CIVL. “With almost half of our appellations less than 20 years old, a new generation of vignerons is coming of age with very exciting wines and new ideas that are firmly rooted in our region’s commitment to sustainability. A third of our vineyard is organically certified, which also makes Languedoc exciting for wine lovers who value environmental responsibility.”
A year-end 2022 trade survey conducted by research provider Wine Opinions reveals what’s driving Languedoc’s strong presence in the U.S. market. The survey, which queried 369 U.S. qualified retailers, beverage directors and importers, identified the Languedoc region as a rising star led by an innovative generation of winemakers that value sustainable and organic wine production. Other key selling points highlighted by survey participants included interest in Languedoc’s wide variety of wines and styles and outstanding quality-to-value.
Survey results demonstrated high awareness of Languedoc, with 83% of respondents citing Languedoc as a leading wine region in the south of France. Other survey results also shed light on the growing appeal of Languedoc wines in the U.S. Respondents were asked to rank statements about the region, namely:
A dynamic generation of Languedoc winemakers are driving quality and sustainability higher. 74% of respondents ranked this statement as a top qualifier of success for Languedoc. 33% of France’s certified organic vineyards are in Languedoc and Roussillon, the highest of any French wine area.
Languedoc can produce GSM-style blends, fresh light whites and a variety of rosé wines at better value for the price than other regions. 77% of respondents responded positively to this statement, indicating that a wide variety of styles from the region’s 20 AOPs deliver noteworthy quality for their price.
There has been tremendous improvement in Languedoc wines over the past decades in terms of style, quality and new appellations. 75% of respondents responded positively to this statement. 9 of the Languedoc region’s 20 AOPs are less than 20 years old, a quality standard that has been well-received by the trade.
Positive trends in Languedoc sales and awareness reflect the region’s continued dedication to promoting variety, quality, innovation and sustainability in its winemaking practices — cementing Languedoc as a forerunner in the U.S.’ new French wine scene. This strong regional awareness is supported by ongoing trade education, media outreach, and digital discovery campaigns led by the CIVL. Media and trade who are interested in receiving news and updates from Vins du Languedoc are invited to contact Claire Martin (claire@gregoryvine.com) or Katie Keith (katie@gregoryvine.com).
About Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL)
The Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL) manages 20 AOPs (Appellations d'Origine Protégées) and 13 IGPs (Indication Géographique Protégée) spread over four regions in the south of France: the Aude, Hérault, Gard and Pyrénées-Orientales. Established in 1994, CIVL acts as a central authority with oversight over the region’s grape-growing and winemaking business. The historic region of Languedoc encompasses 90,000 acres of vines and 22,000 winegrowers and négociants. Languedoc’s leading grape varieties in the red and rosé categories include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault, while predominant white grapes are Chardonnay, Piquepoul, Bourboulenc and Clairette. Red wines make up nearly 60% of all production in the region. In a testament to its innovative spirit, Languedoc was the first region in the world to create sparkling wines with the styles of Blanquette and Crémant de Limoux, which remain popular today. (Read more.)
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MEDIA CONTACTS – U.S.
Claire Martin (claire@gregoryvine.com)
Katie Keith (katie@gregoryvine.com)
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