Wine Industry: France's fertile crescent: Languedoc region transforms its wines from ordinary to extraordinary - by Bill St.John

During the past 30 years, no winemaking area of France has transformed itself as much as Languedoc, the fertile crescent of vineyards stretching along a third of the country's western Mediterranean coastline.

The winemaking region is properly called Languedoc-Roussillon, but it's always just called Languedoc.

The name comes from a group of languages spoken throughout the southern half of France during the Middle Ages that signified the word "yes" as "oc"; hence, "la langue d'oc," or "the language of 'oc.'"

Languedoc is France's largest single vineyard area (in fact, at 650,000 acres, the globe's). If you took all of Australia's vineyards together and about doubled them, you'd have Languedoc-Roussillon's covered.

One of the better-performing regions here is the appellation of Corbieres. Soon to come to market will be the crisp and refreshing pink wines of Domaine Ste. Eugenie, although the domaine's reds are amazing values too ($12-$18). Note EU-Digest: At least half that price when purchased in Europe.

You will find many wines from Languedoc labeled simply Vin de Pays d'Oc or Coteaux du Languedoc. These are regional appellations. Many are excellent values in solid table wine.
If your wine store does not carry these wines, ask for one similar in style and price.

Read more: Uncorked: France's Languedoc: Languedoc region transforms its wines from ordinary to extraordinary - Chicago Tribune