The Languedoc-Roussillon vineyard extends over 4 departments: Aude, Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales. While the Greeks were the first to plant vines in the 5th century BC, the Romans launched the first harvests shortly after. Once the remedy had been found for phylloxera, the arable area increased at the start of the 20th century until this region became the largest vineyard in France. Languedoc-Roussillon enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate for wine cultivation: mild winters, hot and dry summers; low rainfall; prevailing wind, favoring a dry atmosphere for the leaves and reducing the risk of disease. The grape varieties used are Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Bourboulenc, Clairette. The most famous appellations include Blanquette-de-Limoux (recognized as “the oldest wine in the world”) and Muscat-de-Rivesaltes.