Decided to drink something from outside the Loire last night. The Languedoc is one of my favourite wine-making regions of France. I just love the grape varieties (Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, Cinsault, Carignan for the reds, Marsanne, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc, Viognier for the whites amongst many). The wines just express their roots perfectly and for me have just the right amount of fruit to keep me interested for more than a glass.
This Corbieres has a deep ruby colour. On the nose, the first impression is of sweet stone fruit and plums with a big herbal quality and a touch of ground black pepper. The ripe fruit element continues on the palate but moves and changes to a more savoury style with the spice, herbs and pepper creeping in and then the tannins which although present are well integrated. You can sense the mediterranean heat. It's ready to drink now but will certainly keep for a few years yet. We drank it with a plain char-grilled steak and the match was fabulous. The wine has around 45% Grenache and Syrah with some old vine Carignan making up the blend. 10 - 12 months ageing in French barriques after a period of cuve ageing gives it complexity but by no means does the oak component dominate the palate.We paid 8 Euros 20 for the bottle and I think it was great value at that.
I'm assuming this is from the coop which has long been excellent. I remember first visiting back in 1989 and being impressed.
ReplyDeleteYes it is Jim. I have a huge soft spot for the wines of the Languedoc and it certainly didn't disappoint.
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