Languedoc Roussillon, France

Languedoc-Roussillon in the south of France stretches from the Rhône valley in the east to the Spanish border in the southwest. It is dominated by around 700,000 hectares of vineyards, making it France’s largest wine producing region, being responsible for more than a third of France's total wine production. Common red varieties here include Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre, and common white varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Piquepoul, Marsanne and Roussanne. The peak growing season (between May and August) is very dry and the majority of annual rainfall occurs during the winter. In the Languedoc, the plains area is the most arid and hottest region of France.