The next time you’re in the South of France (ahem…you are going soon aren’t you?) be sure to try some wonderful wines of the Languedoc AOC, the Crus du Languedoc, or the Crus Classes du Languedoc! And if your travel plans are thwarted for any reason and you live in Boston, Chicago, or San Francisco, you can fine plenty of restaurants who are profiling these wines on their list during the month of May. I mean, it is L’Aventure Languedoc after all!
The Languedoc-Roussillon region is in the southern and western part of France adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea. The huge variety of wines produced reflect the different climate (Mediterranean, Continental) and soil types (clay/limestone, schist, granite) which can be found and the region may be a hub for the morst organic viticulture in all of France! All styles of wine can be found, but the red wines with grapes Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Carignan predominate. White grapes grown include Bourboulenc, Clairette, Piquepoul, Muscat, Marsanne, Mauzac, Roussanne, Viognier, and Vermentino. If you aren’t familiar with many of the grapes listed (especially the whites which are fantastic!), you can find more information on the website which is linked above. The AOC wines are clearly affordable and from what I experienced at the L’Aventure Languedoc trade and press tasting in Chicago recently, they are delicieuse as well!
Twelve exhibitors were in place on the 33rd floor of the W Hotel and ready to share their wines with the group. Sweeping views of Lake Michigan on a beautiful afternoon prompted one exhibitor to remark that the view was almost like that of the Mediterranean Sea (if only!). Of course, the idea was a good one and if I could have transported myself to some beach on the Med with a glass of Cremant de Limoux in my hand I would have!
I appreciated all of these wines for their expression of the unique terroir and winemaking techniques of those in the Languedoc-Roussillon. So, what did I love?
**Les Deux Rives Corbieres Blanc 2010 – This wine is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, and Roussanne grapes. With aromas of fresh fruits and peach and tastes of white fruit and…some banana?…this full bodied white wine had a nice long finish. (Pasternak Wine Imports)
**Hecht and Bannier Languedoc Rose 2011 – This rose is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault and is refreshing and floral. This is not a sweet rose at all – tastes of cherry, pineapple, strawberry, even some watermelon can be found. Pair the wine with just about anything…but I’ll have mine with some quiche or soft cheese. (Imported by Frederick Wildman and Sons, Ltd.)
**Chateau Sainte Eulalie Minervois Plaisir d’Eulalie 2010 – The Plaisir d’Eulalie is the main production of the Chateau and consists of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan grapes and is aged in cement taks for fifteen months. Flavors of red fruits and spice are apparent and with the full flavors, this will pair nicely with pasta, meats, and of course, Mediterranean dishes! (Imported by Michael Corso Selections)
**Chateau d’Aussieres Corbieres 2009 – Probably one of the darkest wine I tasted, this wine was going through the ageing process (but aren’t we all!?). A Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre blend, some oak blended with pine and eucalyptus were the aromas and on the palate, there were some major power trips going on from the cherry and chocolate notes. I would put this wine in the “elegant” category! (Pasternak Wine Imports)
There were many many more wines which I enjoyed at the tasting and importers included Eagle Eye Brands (I loved the Chateau des Karantes Languedoc-La Clape Blanc 2010), Gerard Bertrand Wines (their Gerard Bertrand Cremant de Limoux Brut 2010 was nice and bubbly!), and Kysela Pere et fils, Ltd. (love me some Cave des Pomerols Languedoc-Picpoul de Pinet 2011!).
Beginning…NOW, there are many many opportunities at wine shops and restaurants to have a tasting or ask for a glass (I suggest a bottle!) with your meal. Even if you’re not in Boston, Chicago, or San Francisco during the month of May, take a trip to your local purveyor of wines and ask for those of the Languedoc-Roussillon. If you’re in Napa, drop by 1313 Main and if in Austin, check out Wines.com. Denver? Go to Swirl Girls Loft! If you’re in New York City, you’ll have plenty of choices, but try Noble Rot NYC. Of course if you’re in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, you better go to Vintage Elkhart Lake!! Just hanging around with your iPad or iPhone? Use the hashtag #LanguedocDay on Twitter or Pinterest, pour yourself a glass of wine and share your thoughts!
Have a wonderful day and even better month because you’ll say “oui” to some delicious and affordable choices from the Languedoc-Roussillon!
A delicious glass of wine from the Languedoc-Roussillon…is that Lake Michigan or the Mediterranean Sea in the background??
Sante! ~ Cindy
