The department of Hérault lies to the northeast of the Aude and west of the Gard, centred on the town of Montpellier. Much of the Coteaux du Languedoc falls within this rugged warm region. The terroir on this south-facing amphitheatre is classically Mediterranean, and the landscape is dominated by garrigue-covered limestone hills and plateaus. During the growing season, the temperatures are moderated by refreshing sea breezes from the Mediterranean that sweep through the vineyards, cooling the grapes and slowing ripening. The Hérault is a successful host to the classic Bordeaux varietals as well as Chardonnay and the Rhône`s Syrah, Grenache and Viognier.