By country :: France :: Languedoc
This region is perhaps one of the most talked-about wine regions over the last 10 years and rightly so. It is the largest wine region in the world, and in terms of vine growing, it is also one of the most ancient, with evidence of winemaking dating back to Antiquity. However, recognition for its status as a quality winemaking region is a fairly recent thing. Thanks to effort invested by skilful and modern-minded producers, new appellations sprang up in the 1980s. Using indigenous grape varieties such as Carignan and Grenache (although this originated in neighbouring Spain) together with an understanding of the region's various terroirs, Languedoc producers create unique and interesting wines. In addition, they have embraced modern winemaking techniques perhaps better than anyone else in France, judiciously using grape varieties such as Syrah, Mourvèdre or Viognier from other regions with similar climates. Furthermore they have been able to use international grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay etc.) and make fruit-driven and affordable wines. These wines are perhaps closest to what the New World has to offer.
Some genuine stars have emerged, with estates such as Mas Julien and Daumas Gassac leading the way. I am particularly delighted and proud that l'Art du Vin represents Mas Cal Demoura, which belongs to the rare category of what some now refer to as the 'Super Languedoc'.
Languedoc, as well as being one of my favourite wine regions, is also a region where food reminds me of my native Lyon. Wholesome, peasant-like and hearty, the food in the Languedoc is also about the terroir. When one talks about Languedoc food, you simply must mention Cassoulet-a typical regional dish that uses pork sausages, duck, goose, haricots, beans and goose fat. Toulouse, Castelnaudry and Carcasonne are the self-proclaimed capitals of Cassoulet and they each have their own version. For me the best Cassoulet is one accompanied by a glass of Corbières from Château Haut Gléon. Bon appétit!
Philippe
Found 16 products.
Cabernet Sauvignon Domaine Bassac 'Lo Bartas' Organic 2009Our price: From £8.32Puissalicon is a small village in the south of France with the typical architecture, in circular fashion, of medieval towns in this region. It is equidistant from Béziers, Pézenas and Bédarieux. The Domaine Bassac vineyard covers around 80 hectares. A growing concern for creating genuine wines that respect the land, nature, and the subtle balance which allows for the expression of harmony between soil and vine, caused the family to turn to organic farming in 1990. The cellar, located in the village of Puissalicon itself, is an old building which has been renovated and enlarged over the generations. At the time when Languedoc was known for its 'eau de vie', it was even home to a family distillery which no longer exists.
Château Fabas Minervois 'Mourral' 2007Our price: From £9.90Rich in history and tradition, Château Fabas is a point of reference in the Minervois region. Once a fortified farm, a religious and farming community grew up around a small church, this delightfully Mediterranean estate is where Roland Augustin and his family craft their intense, complex and expressive wines with lavish care.Le Mourral is made up of 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre.
Château La Voulte-Gasparets Cuvée Reservée, 2009Our price: From £15.75CHÂTEAU LA VOULTE-GASPARETS – Patrick Reverdy
Corbières, Cuvée Tradition, 2009Our price: From £7.87CHÂTEAU LA CONDAMINE – Henri Barronet
Domaine Bassac 'Lo Bartas' Organic Rosé 2010Our price: From £7.83Puissalicon is a small village in the south of France with the typical architecture, in circular fashion, of medieval towns in this region. It is equidistant from Béziers, Pézenas and Bédarieux. The Domaine Bassac vineyard covers around 80 hectares. A growing concern for creating genuine wines that respect the land, nature, and the subtle balance which allows for the expression of harmony between soil and vine, caused the family to turn to organic farming in 1990. The cellar, located in the village of Puissalicon itself, is an old building which has been renovated and enlarged over the generations. At the time when Languedoc was known for its 'eau de vie', it was even home to a family distillery which no longer exists.
Domaine Bassac Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2010Our price: From £8.82Puissalicon is a small village in the south of France with the typical architecture, in circular fashion, of medieval towns in this region. It is equidistant from Béziers, Pézenas and Bédarieux. The Domaine Bassac vineyard covers around 80 hectares. A growing concern for creating genuine wines that respect the land, nature, and the subtle balance which allows for the expression of harmony between soil and vine, caused the family to turn to organic farming in 1990. The cellar, located in the village of Puissalicon itself, is an old building which has been renovated and enlarged over the generations. At the time when Languedoc was known for its 'eau de vie', it was even home to a family distillery which no longer exists.
Le Petit d'Oc Blanc 2010Our price: From £5.40Made with Roussane, Grenache and Rolle, the white shows notes of citrus fruits such as grapefruit and green lemon, together with a sensation of fruit barks and liquorice.
Le Petit d'Oc Rouge 2010Our price: From £5.40A blend of Syrah and Grenache. Cherry, redcurrant and pear characters dominate, while the palate offers lovely freshness and persistence.
Merlot Domaine Bassac Organic 2010Our price: From £8.10Puissalicon is a small village in the south of France with the typical architecture, in circular fashion, of medieval towns in this region. It is equidistant from Béziers, Pézenas and Bédarieux. The Domaine Bassac vineyard covers around 80 hectares. A growing concern for creating genuine wines that respect the land, nature, and the subtle balance which allows for the expression of harmony between soil and vine, caused the family to turn to organic farming in 1990. The cellar, located in the village of Puissalicon itself, is an old building which has been renovated and enlarged over the generations. At the time when Languedoc was known for its 'eau de vie', it was even home to a family distillery which no longer exists.
Merlot Esprit de Sérame, Vin de Pays d'Oc 2010Our price: £8.25'An historical Languedoc estate'.
Merlot Maison Maurel Vedeau 2010Our price: From £6.12Peppery and red fruit aromas and a soft, well balanced palate with redcurrant, plum fruit characters.
Picpoul de Pinet Domaine des Lauriers 2010Our price: From £7.65The Domaine des Lauriers is run by the Cabrol family and is situated in Castelanau de Guers near Pezenas, in the heart of the Côteaux du Languedoc. The terroir is made up of the typical Mediterranean "garrigue"; red soils and large pebbles stones which restitute daytime heat during the night, allowing for the ripening of the Picpoul grapes.
Sauvignon Blanc Maison Maurel Vedeau 2010Our price: From £6.75Fresh and zippy with delicious citrus fruit characters and hints of gooseberry.
St. Chinian Domaine St Jean Le Conques 2008Our price: From £7.87The Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes that make up the St. Chinian are hand selected, and are de-stemmed prior to being vinified traditionally under temperature control. After a short cuvaison, the wine is stored in French oak barrels where the wine matures for 12 months or so.
Vermentino Piqpoul, Domaine des Lauriers, 2010Our price: From £8.32The Domaine des Lauriers is run by the Cabrol family and is situated in Castelanau de Guers near Pezenas, in the heart of the Côteaux du Languedoc. The terroir is made up of the typical Mediterranean "garrigue"; red soils and large pebbles stones which restitute daytime heat during the night, allowing for the ripening of the Picpoul grapes.
Viognier Maison Maurel Vedeau 2010Our price: From £6.97A typical example of Southern French Viognier. Fresh and dry, while showing characteristic apricot richness.
