Roussillon: The Catalan Connection

Where France Meets Spain

Roussillon feels different. Catalan culture dominates—signs are bilingual, the sardana is danced, and wines show Spanish influence. This is France's sunniest region, where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean.

The landscape is dramatic: ancient vines climb schist terraces, the Canigou mountain dominates horizons, and the Tramontane wind can blow 200 days a year. This extreme environment creates concentrated, distinctive wines.

Roussillon's Treasures

Collioure: Seaside intensity - Terraced vineyards above the Mediterranean - Same area as Banyuls but for dry wines - Grenache-based, powerful yet fresh - Try: Domaine la Tour Vieille (€20-30), Coume del Mas (€25-35)

Côtes du Roussillon Villages: Mountain character - Several villages can append their names - Lesquerde, Tautavel, Caramany stand out - Old vine emphasis - Try: Domaine Gauby (€30-60), Le Soula (€40-50)

Maury: Sweet and dry excellence - Traditionally Vin Doux Naturel - Now excellent dry reds from schist - Grenache Noir dominates - Try: Domaine des Soulanes (€20-30), Mas Amiel (€15-40)

Côtes Catalanes IGP: Freedom to innovate - Catch-all for innovative producers - Natural wine haven - International varieties alongside local - Try: Domaine Matassa (€25-45), Jeff Coutelou (€20-35)

Vins Doux Naturels: The Fortified Tradition

Roussillon specializes in France's answer to Port: - Banyuls: France's finest fortified wine - Maury: From schist soils - Rivesaltes: Largest production - Muscat de Rivesaltes: Grapey sweetness

These wines, fortified with grape spirit during fermentation, age in various ways: - Vintage: Bottled young, fruit-forward - Traditionnel: Aged in wood - Rancio: Oxidative aging, nutty complexity - Hors d'Age: Extended aging, profound