The Grés de Montpellier wine region has been provisionally granted the status of a Protected Designation of Origin (AOP) by the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO) in France. This decision, as reported by various international media outlets, came after a favorable vote by the relevant committee. The formal announcement is anticipated in the Official Journal within a few weeks, to be followed by a two-month national objection period.
This development has been a long time in the making, with efforts stretching back 30 years. The initiative began in 1993 with the establishment of the corresponding syndicate. Since 2003, the region has been recognized as a supplementary geographical indication within the Languedoc appellation, known until now as AOP Languedoc – Grés de Montpellier. This designation, however, has been exclusively for red wines, a restriction that will continue with the new AOP. The implementation of this new appellation status is scheduled to start with the 2024 vintage. It will encompass 55 wineries and four cooperatives, all of which will also retain the option to use the AOP Languedoc label.
Strict regulations
The Grés de Montpellier area spans approximately 4,600 hectares (about 11,300 acres) of vineyards across 45 municipalities. The predominant grape varieties are Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, with at least two of these required to be cultivated. These primary varieties must constitute at least 70% of the vineyard area.
The region also grows Cinsaut and Carignan grapes, along with Morrastel, with each of the latter two allowed to represent a maximum of 10% of the vineyard area. The maximum yield per hectare is set at 7,500 kg/ha, reduced to 6,000 kg/ha if irrigation is used. Regulations stipulate that a wine must be composed of at least two grape varieties, including at least one primary variety, and no single grape variety can exceed 80% of the blend. Since 2012, the region's typical wine bottle is a Burgundy style with an embossed inscription and Occitan cross, reminiscent of the bottles from Châteauneuf du Pape.
The Etruscans are said to have brought viticulture to the region as early as 500 BC. Olivier Durand, the president of Grés de Montpellier, highlighted to the French trade magazine Vitisphere the distinctive sandstone terroir with its maritime influence, lending the appellation its unique character. The area also features limestone and rolled pebble soils. VM
