Skip to main content

Tasting the Languedoc

     I went to a seminar and wine tasting on Monday evening at the Wine School at L'Alliance Francaise. It was presented by Charles "Bear" Dalton, the fine wine buyer at Spec's and a local wine personality/guru. The subject was "Tasting the Languedoc". As many wine drinkers know, the Languedoc region of France was not taken very seriously for years in regards to any type of quality wine production, it was often referred to as the "wine lake" of southern France, quantity was great but quality was not. Over the last two decades, this reputation as a region of mass or bulk wine producers has begun to change with a new focus on quality that is due in part to outside investments.
     We tasted ten wines over the course of the evening ranging in price from $6.99 to $32.71 and I felt most were interesting, pleasant and very drinkable (there was only one that I just did not care for at all). I am listing my three favorites here:
Domaine Font Mars Picpoul De Pinet 2009- Made from the Picpoul grape, this white wine had fresh citrus aromas and flavors, high acid, medium alcohol and finished with a medium-length crisp minerality. At $10.83, a great alternative to your usual chilled summer patio sipper.
Domaine Cantussel "Cuvee Cantussel" Minervois 1999-A brownish garnet red color, this wine is a blend of "Old Vine" Carignan, Grenache and Syrah. Strong black fruit aromas from the Carignan with hints of the earthy garrigue, dusty tannins and a lightly spicy finish. Interestingly "old world" for $14.99.
Chateau D'Aussieres Corbieres 2004-Opaque brownish red with a garnet rim. A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre aged in old oak. Intense aromas of ripe blackberries and plums with notes of coffee. Medium+ acid and tannin with medium alcohol and a subtle but lingering savory, black-fruit finish. $32.71

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Introducing Oltrepò Pavese - An Italian Sparkling Wine that You Should Know

Last year, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy to taste the wines of Oltrepò Pavese. I discovered that these sparkling wines are based on Pinot Noir, they are made in the traditional method, like Champagne, and most importantly, they are an Italian hidden gem that bubble lovers across the world need to put on their radar. In the August issue of Galveston Monthly magazine, I introduce these wines to my readers.

Summer Sips: A Guide to Red, White, & Rosé

 American-made Wine recommendations for the Fourth of July and beyond is the subject of the July issue of Galveston Monthly magazine.

A Toast to the Celebrations of June!

Pop open some bottles this June to celebrate life's moments, both the big and small. Find some recommendations to do just that in the June issue of Galveston Monthly Magazine.