In Languedoc, there was a time before and after Fortant. Twenty-five years ago, in 1988, when visionary Robert Skalli launched Fortant de France, the first range of varietal wines in France, revolutionizing even the cultivation of the vine, he created a revolution in the oldest and one of the largest wine-growing regions in the world. Fortant spent twenty wonderful years bringing to the world the idea of French-style varietal wines, far removed from the complexity of appellations. The idea of the simple, the good, the beautiful, with the “made in France” touch and the Mediterranean nuance.
A few weeks ago we went to Sète to discover the range and take advantage of the Escale à Sète event, where the world’s riggings were paraded, and of which Fortant de France is an official sponsor. We were able to appreciate the craziness of the Languedoc jousts.
Languedoc-Roussillon, at the crossroads of civilizations, climates, winds and relief, is not one but many. A veritable geographical and historical mosaic, geological and climatic diversity are all factors of influence and differentiation for grape varieties, creating an infinite palette of wines shaped by nature and man.
Today, one year after the takeover by Boisset, Fortant is back with a premium range of 18 varietal wines in the “Fortant” style of freshness and elegance. This collection is the fruit of precise plot selection, low yields, rigorous blending and meticulous production.
This new vision of the Languedoc confirms Fortant de France’s pioneering character. It is reflected in the creation of the “Aire Viticole Fortant”. A highly innovative yet obvious interpretation of terroirs, a visible reflection of geological, climatic and human history: three “landscapes” = three wine families:
Le Terroir Littoral: fresh, aromatic wines
The vines, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, benefit from a cool, constant climate that produces aromatic wines with notes of fresh fruit and an explosive nose of freshness and vivacity.
– White: Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Muscat.
– Red: Grenache, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.
– Rosé: Grenache and Merlot.
Le Terroir de Collines: full-bodied, spicy wines
Situated inland in a typical garrigue landscape scented with thyme and rosemary, the vineyards are at an altitude of between 50 and 250 meters, and enjoy a hot, dry climate with cool nights. Ideal conditions for full-bodied, fleshy wines with ripe fruit aromas, spicy notes and a long finish.
– White: Chardonnay and Viognier
– Red: Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Pinot Noir
Le Terroir des Grands Monts: elegant, sophisticated wines
The vines at the foot of the Cévennes and Montagne Noire mountains, at an altitude of between 250 and 400 metres, produce wines of finesse and freshness. Elegant and complex, these grape varieties express the purity of fruit with floral notes. The wines are balanced between aromatic power and minerality, thanks to the diversity of the soils (limestone, sandstone, clay, schist, volcanic rock).
– White: Chardonnay
– Red: Carignan and Pinot Noir
Range available from spring between 6 and 12 €.
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