Côtes Catalanes IGP refers to wines made in a part of the Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France near the border with Spain, known as the Catalan Coast. This is a warm Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, assuring excellent ripeness. Soils are stony and somewhat poor, but drain well; precipitation is minimal.

As with most wine districts in southern France, reds, rosés and whites are produced in the Côtes Catalanes. Principal varieties include Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds, with Vermentino, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc for whites.

While these wines do not have the finesse of the best examples from southern France, they are ripe and very flavorful. This is beneficial for the pairings, as reds are often served locally with grilled peppers, and sometimes even chocolate. Whites and rosés pair perfectly with local seafood from the Mediterranean Sea. (Wine/Appellations)