A Few Notes on Southern France

Together, Languedoc and Roussillon, make up the largest wine region in Southern France. Long considered France's bulk wine region, an emphasis on identifying terroir and on quality production has been changing that image.
2009 Rives-Blanques Sauvageon Pay d'Oc $11
Clear, pale golden color. Clean medium youthful aromas of peach and lime. Dry, medium+ acidity, medium alcohol and body, medium- finish. Good/ drink now-not intended for aging.
The Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes is in the western part of the Vin De Pays D'Oc region. Located within the Pyrénees, the area has a strong Spanish influence. The red wines are typically Grenache-based.
2005 Domaine Gilles Troullier VdP des Cotes Catalanes $12
Clear deep ruby. A bit of volatile acidity that dissapated fairly quickly, Medium intense developed aromas of cigar box, pencil box and cherry medicine. Dry, medium+ body, alcohol, acidity and finish with high tannins. Good (a bit overextracted)/ drink now.
The large area of Costieres de Nimes lies on the dividing line of the Rhone and the Languedoc regions. Administratively, it is part of the Rhone but culturally, it is part of the Languedoc. The gravel soil known as Gres is unique to the area.
2007 Domaine de Saint-Antoine Syrah Costieres de Nimes $10
Clear deep garnet going brickish on the rim. Clean, medium- aromas of ripe black and red fruit. Dry, all structure, low flavor intensity. Make Sangria out of it.

Related Posts:
Notes from a "Wines of Southern France" Tasting
Tasting the Languedoc

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