This has not been the case for all the regions, but for Languedoc Roussillon area, the 2013 vintage is announced as being “exceptional”.
Be it quality or quantity, the Languedoc Roussillon region, is probably the only French region able to meet the export market needs.
This region is composed of 38 designation of origin labels (AOC) and 33 of protected geographical indication labels (IPG), stretching over 226 000 hectares (873 sq. miles). According to the CIVL, (inter professional AOC wine council of the Languedoc Roussillon area), the 2013 harvest will represent 13,5 million hectoliters (356.5 million US gal.), in other words 5% of the worlds wine production, against the “mere” 12,7 million (335.5 million US gal.) produced in 2012.
The Languedoc Roussillon region is considered as the number one exporter of the French vineyards, having the following clients: nº1 being, Germany, where 853 000 hectoliters (22,5 million US gal.) of the regional wines are exported. The second most important client is Great Britain, in 3rd position comes the United States, which should increase its share of the market, thanks to the famous wine critic Robert Parker, asserting that the south of France would dominate the under 15€, quality wine market including Spain and Italy.
China, being the first wine importer in the world, has diminished its demand by 27,5%. Nevertheless, over the last 5 years wine exports have increased by 240%. The Languedoc Roussillon region, coming in second position after the Bordeaux region, tables on incrementing its market share in China, by increased marketing and sales operations.
