Languedoc Rouge refers to red wines from the Languedoc wine region of southern France, on the border with the Mediterranean Sea. The Languedoc or Languedoc-Roussillon region is the largest in France, with more than 700,000 acres of vines planted. Vineyards are low lying, comprised of alluvia soils for plantings close to the sea, with inland vineyards having more chalk and gravel soils. The climate is warm and dry, with breezes from the Mediterranean. About 75% of Languedoc's wines are red; varieties include Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, so-called Rhone varieties. There are both mono-varietal offerings as well as blends. These are generally medium-bodied wines with light herbal notes and moderate tannins; they stand up well to lighter game and meats and are fairly priced. (Wine/Appellations)