Heliograph Estates

Côtes Catalanes IGP

Nudging the French border with Spain, Côtes Catalanes is one of the Languedoc-Roussillon region's most interesting wine-producing areas. While some white and rosé wines are made here, the vast majority of its output is juicy reds with deliciously intense flavors of black and red berries. Many local and international grapes are permitted in these easy-drinking table wines, but most common are peppery Syrah, spicy Carignan and fruity Grenache. The hot, dry Mediterranean days mean grapes have a concentrated flavor while cooling sea and mountain breezes keep plenty of refreshing acidity in the finished wines. IGP (Indication Géographique protégée) within France’s wine classification system focuses on controlling regional and geographical origin. The category is less restrictive than the AOC classification and gives winemakers more freedom with style and taste profile when creating wines.