BY DAENNA VAN MULLIGEN L anguedoc and Roussillon They hug the Mediterranean coastline from Spain to Provence and constitute the largest wine-growing area in France. Blessed with a rich and diverse landscape, sea and mountain breezes, medieval architecture and multiple together make up most of the Occitanie region of France. UNESCO World Heritage sites, not to mention ample sunshine to perfectly ripen wine grapes, Occitanie is, quite simply, abundant. The wines aren’t flashy, but they are refreshingly honest. The reds have a seam of wildness and echo the land where they are grown, brimming with the herbal character of scrub-like terroir. Thanks to warm, dry growing seasons, the fruit is never underripe. The whites vary from rich, oily and supported by oak to racy and mineral focused. Occitanie hasn’t always been known for making good wine. Vines appeared in the fifth century BC and for millennia were considered the highest quality. In the late 19 th century, however, the region was hit hard by phylloxera, an
“Along with generations of smaller family- owned producers and astute larger-scale wineries, the region’s been rejuvenated.”
insect pest that decimates grapevines. In the 20 th century, Occitanie became synonymous with cheap bulk wine. In the past decade or more, young vignerons have moved into the region, thanks to affordable and available land to plant vines and make wine. They have brought energy and international attention by focusing on organic, small- production and single-vineyard wines. Along with generations of smaller family- owned producers and astute larger-scale wineries, the region’s been rejuvenated. Occitanie is a land of blends—no matter what style or shade, single-varietal wines are rare. Here is a brief introduction to the best- known wines of Languedoc and Roussillon. Languedoc Languedoc has become a wine tour de force. It makes up 90 percent of the region, and its 23 appellations produce most of Occitanie’s wine. The region makes more organic wines and more rosés than any
other in the country. And the vast majority of France’s Appellation d’origine protégée (AOP) wines—a certification that guarantees all steps of winemaking occurred within a designated area—hail from the Languedoc AOP. Some notable AOPs with wines available in BCLIQUOR stores are Corbières, Minervois and Limoux. All three are in the western portion of Languedoc, inland from the Mediterranean Sea. In Corbières, Languedoc’s largest AOP, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Syrah grapes dominate the reds and rosés. The whites are led by Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc and Macabeu varieties. In Minervois, winemakers produce Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre for reds along with the white grapes Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc and Clairette. Although Champagne is now the heart of bubbly worldwide, wine historians say the monks at the Saint-Hilaire Abbey in Limoux were making the first sparkling wines in France in 1531. Today three AOPs in Languedoc carry on the tradition: Blanquette de Limoux, Crémant de
Ormarine Les Pins de Camille Picpoul de Pinet France $18.99 124834
M. Chapoutier Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc France $19.99 175042 Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris and Macabeu combine to make this engaging Roussillon white. Layered with golden fruits, citrus and flowers, it’s creamy yet zesty.
Gérard Bertrand An 806 Corbières France $21.99 261008 This muscular blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from Corbières delivers red berry, pepper and dried floral aromas. It’s spicy with espresso and black chocolate flavours.
From Languedoc’s Picpoul region (also the variety), this fragrant and juicy wine suggests white flowers, crunchy tree fruits and lively citrus flavours.
bcliquorstores.com
59
Powered by FlippingBook