Languedoc-Roussillon wines becoming known for quality and sustainability

On The Coast's Master of Wine, Barbara Philip, says British Columbians are starting to discover the French region of Languedoc-Roussillon as a place to find concentrated and delicious wines.

What they may not know is that many wines from the area are also produced according to sustainable and organic farming methods.

Philip says many of these wines are produced either sustainably, organically or biodynamically even if the label doesn't say so.

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"The climate in the south of France is conducive to making rich and beautiful wines from sustainably-farmed vineyards," she told On The Coast host Stephen Quinn.

If sustainable and organic wines are important to you, here are Philip's picks for Languedoc-Roussillon wines available in B.C.

Chteau Rigaud. Faugres. Languedoc. 2012. $22.99

"Organic Syrah, Mourvdre and Grenache grapes are blended for this rich but balanced wine. Look for spice, dark berry fruit and an overlying sweet herbal note that reminds you of a warm summer day by the sea. Try it with marinated lamb-leg cooked on the grill."

Domaine Babio. Minervois. Languedoc. 2012. $17.49

"Since taking over the domain in 2003, Ccile Weissenbach has been farming sustainably and finding she gets better ripeness of grapes and higher quality wines as a result. It is made from Syrah and Carignan grown on sandy andclay soils."

Domaine Lafage. Tessellae 'Old Vines'. Ctes du Roussillon. 2013. $22.99

"Yet another delicious wine from organic grapes, this wine is from the Roussillon closer to the Spanish border. It is aged without any wood to let the pure fruit of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvdre come through."

Domaine de Bila Haut blanc. Ctes du Roussillon Villages. 2013. $15.99

"We tend to associate full bodied, spicy reds with the Languedoc-Roussillon, but the whites can be utterly unique and exciting. Michel Chapoutier purchased the Bila Haut estate in 2000 and began to revive the vineyard using sustainable practices. It is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris and Macabeu with medium body and aromas of dried pear and flowers."

With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast