In the 19 th century, growers began to focus on high-yielding varieties that enabled them to churn out copious amounts of wine, most of dubious quality. Coupled with the expansion of the French rail system, the Canal leveled the playing field among the wine regions, removing the problems of onerous tolls and impractical shipping. Once approved it took 12 years and 12,000 men to build. The only other option was a long, stifling sea journey through Gibraltar and around Spain to the Atlantic: a viable plan for shipping fortified wines but not so great for table wines.Īnd then in 1678 came the Canal du Midi, a man-made passage between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic that allowed more efficient transit between the fields of southern France and the wine markets to the west. Aside from adding to the wine’s cost, these tolls were imposed to protect the market dominance of Bordeaux producers, a fact no doubt irksome to the farmers of the Languedoc. The annual pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela brought thirsty travelers to the local churches and monasteries, which turned them into satisfied customers who would spread the word.ĭespite early commercial success in selling their product to passersby, winemakers had few options when it came to expanding their market: existing roads, built by the Romans, were adequate but forced merchants to pass through toll zones, where hefty fees were exacted in exchange for unfettered passage. Later, the Catholic church became the center of winemaking, not only for sacramental purposes but also as a source of revenue. Under Roman rule, it was part of the expansive Kingdom of Narbonne, which included all of present-day Languedoc-Roussillon, Côtes du Rhône, and Gaillac. Mapping France in Wine Bottles: Where to Get Affordable French Wine by Jill at L’occasion.Īs with many parts of France, the Languedoc has a long history dating back to the Greeks (6 th century BC) and then the Romans. Two Bargains from Bordeaux and Bergerac by Lynn at Savor the Harvest My Favorite Under $20 Pet Nat Patrice Colin “Les Perles Gris”by Martin at ENOFLYZĪffordable French Wines Paired with Simple Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner by Jane at Always Ravenous Surprisingly Affordable Wine Region: Bordeaux!by Jeff at FoodWineClick! Here is a preview of what the group will be talking about:Ĭooking to the Wine: Casa Rossa Rosé with Sardine & Roasted Zucchini Penneby Nicole at Somm’s TableĪn Affordable Red and Tapenade, Languedoc-Style by Camilla at Culinary Adventures with CamillaĤ French Wine Finds $20 and under with Croque Monsieur and Monte Cristo from Gwen from Wine PredatorĮach day should be a celebration by Wendy from A Day In the Life on the Farm Our host this month is Jill Barth, who captures the exquisite beauty of France in her blog L’occasion you can read more about this month’s topic here. Just be sure to append #Winophiles to your tweets so we can welcome you. We’d love to hear your wine suggestions too, so chime in at any point. You can find us on Twitter at the appointed time, using the hashtag #Winophiles.
If you’re so inclined, please join our chat on August 19 th at 11 am EDT. Spain, France, cycling, and wine – who wants to come with me? This Saturday I get to indulge in a few of my favorite things: the Vuelta a España (Tour of Spain) cycling race begins, which takes me – strangely enough – to Southern France for the first two days and the Winophiles blogging group meets to discuss affordable French wines.
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