The sheer diversity of the area is reflected in the wines’  quite distinct characteristics, this is why the Coteaux du Languedoc has three separate categories :

A number of factors – the winds  (Cers,  Tramontane, Mistral, Marine), the varying rainfall (550mm [21.ins] in Narbonne to 750mm [ 30 ins] in Nimes), temperature and sunshine variation between the coastal zones, the hilly garrigue and the mountainous slopes - have resulted in our identifying several quite separate climatic zones :

St-Chinian, Faugères et Clairette du Languedoc are AOC in their own right with their own Statutory Order.

La Clape, Grés de Montpellier, Terrasses du Larzac, Pic St Loup are recognized as special cases in the Order with more stringent conditions laid down by the producers.

Terrasses de Béziers, Pézenas et Terres de Sommières are areas where work is in hand to agree conditions for future recognition.

The Order envisages naming the following geographical areas separately :
Cabrières, La Méjanelle, Montpeyroux, Picpoul de Pinet, Quatourze, St-Christol, St-Drézéry, St Georges d'Orques, St- Saturnin and Vérargues.

A number of terroirs have already succeeded in being recognized as communal appellations. One example, the Picpoul de Pinet, is now registered in the Order as producing the single Piquepoul grape, with its specific production conditions.

Cabrières specific rules setting out grape varieties authorized for rosé wine.