When most people think of South of France wine, they think of Provence rosé — those pale pink bottles that have conquered summer. But Pays d'Oc, just to the west in the Languedoc, is where some of the most exciting and best-value wine in France is being made right now.
WHERE IS PAYS D'OC?
Pays d'Oc is an Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) — a protected wine designation — covering the entire Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. It stretches from the Rhône delta in the east to the Spanish border in the west, taking in the departments of Gard, Hérault, Aude, and Pyrénées-Orientales.
It is the largest wine-producing region in the world by volume, and the most diverse. The warm Mediterranean climate and varied soils allow an enormous range of grape varieties to thrive.
WHY IS PAYS D'OC PRODUCING SUCH GOOD WINE?
The IGP designation gives producers more flexibility than the stricter AOP rules — they can grow a wider range of varieties and experiment with different styles. This has attracted a wave of quality-focused producers who want freedom to make interesting wine without the constraints of traditional appellations.
Add in excellent growing conditions — long, warm summers, cooling Mediterranean breezes, and diverse soils — and you have a region capable of producing world-class wine at accessible prices.
THIRST TRAP — 100% CINSAULT FROM PAYS D'OC
Thirst Trap is our organic Cinsault rosé from the Pays d'Oc region. Made from organically farmed Cinsault grapes with minimal intervention, it delivers fresh strawberry, watermelon, and cranberry with a smooth, dry finish. The drink of the summer — available at locowines.co.uk.
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