Languedoc-Roussillon
Since the introduction of the Vin de Pays classification in 1979, the fortunes of the Langedoc-Roussillon have dramatically improved with extensive replanting on better sites, a reduction in permitted yields and a shift from the ubiquitous Carignan grape to international varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Antech Limoux,
Drink now,
Family-owned Antech is the most prestigious producer in Limoux and we are delighted to have worked exclusively with Françoise Antech, from the sixth generation of the family, to craft this wonderfully expressive Crémant de Limoux.
A blend of 70 percent Chardonnay and 15 percent each of Chenin Blanc and Mauzac, aged traditionally and generously on its lees, this is a beautiful, balanced wine, with elegant aromas of orchard fruit and honeyed spice. The palate marries more exotic fruits with a clean, pebbly backdrop and an impressive depth of flavour.
A blend of 70 percent Chardonnay and 15 percent each of Chenin Blanc and Mauzac, aged traditionally and generously on its lees, this is a beautiful, balanced wine, with elegant aromas of orchard fruit and honeyed spice. The palate marries more exotic fruits with a clean, pebbly backdrop and an impressive depth of flavour.
Antech Limoux,
Drink now,
Blanquette de Limoux bears the honour of being the first sparkling wine to be produced in France, long before Champagne became the undisputed world leader for this style. Blanquette" actually just means "white" in the local Occitan language.
Blanquette de Limoux can be a blend of three grape varieties: Mauzac must be the dominant grape with a minimum of 90%, the balance Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. The Mauzac grape is prolific in the Limoux region, but almost non-existent elsewhere, and produces a rustic wine with distinct aromas of fresh cut grass and apple-peel flavours reminiscent of apple cider.
Blanquette de Limoux can be a blend of three grape varieties: Mauzac must be the dominant grape with a minimum of 90%, the balance Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. The Mauzac grape is prolific in the Limoux region, but almost non-existent elsewhere, and produces a rustic wine with distinct aromas of fresh cut grass and apple-peel flavours reminiscent of apple cider.
Les Vignes Oubliees,
Ready, but will keep,
The 2009 vintage was winemaker Jean-Baptiste Granier’s first from this incredibly exciting domaine. Although he only owns two hectares himself, he sources fruit from vineyards that the local co-op deems unprofitable due to their exceptionally low yields. The average vine age is 70 years. Jean- Baptiste is in his early 30s and is keen to make his mark on the region; something he is rapidly doing with his wines of great expression, finesse – and incredible value.
Deep ruby in colour with purple tints, the nose offers attractive sweet and savoury spice with a mixture of red cherries, plums and violet perfume. The juicy, generous core is full of notes of liquorice, black olive and garrigue. Lively acidity is in balance with the firm, powdery tannins, building to a long, generous finish. Drink now to 2025.
Deep ruby in colour with purple tints, the nose offers attractive sweet and savoury spice with a mixture of red cherries, plums and violet perfume. The juicy, generous core is full of notes of liquorice, black olive and garrigue. Lively acidity is in balance with the firm, powdery tannins, building to a long, generous finish. Drink now to 2025.
Les Vignerons de Maury,
Ready, but will keep,
Vin Doux Naturel, from the likes of Maury and Rivesaltes, remain massively undervalued. This wine is drawn from cask 849 from this producer's remarkably old solera, a barrel singled out for its complexity and balance. Coff ee, orange peel and notes of hazelnuts dominate the palate, along with avours of salted caramel and ginger. It has an attractive volatile lift on the nish with a silky and generous sweetness that is balanced by refreshing acidity.
Mas Champart,
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Wife and husband duo Isabelle and Matthieu Champart are based in the small appellation of St Chinian. Winemaker Isabelle and viticulturalist Matthieu both have a calm and thoughtful approach to life, which translates beautifully in their wines.
Deep ruby in colour, this has dark red and black berry aromas of cherries, plums and blackcurrants. The palate is concentrated, with complex savoury layers of rosemary, fennel, liquorice and black olive. The tannins are firm and chewy, continuing on the finish, supported carefully by savoury spice. Drink now to 2025.
Deep ruby in colour, this has dark red and black berry aromas of cherries, plums and blackcurrants. The palate is concentrated, with complex savoury layers of rosemary, fennel, liquorice and black olive. The tannins are firm and chewy, continuing on the finish, supported carefully by savoury spice. Drink now to 2025.
La Peira,
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The senior wine for the Pèira Domaine has been picked at extraordinarily low yields of 7.5 hl/ha and is, unsurprisingly extremely concentrated. Cassis, black cherry even macerated prune, then undergrowth, spice and black pepper; the wine is young of course yet already boasts an ethereal elegance that seems to be the Domaine’s Calling Card, this in spite of the richness of the wine. To achieve such a thing is an achievement indeed, and puts this wine at or near to the top of the great wines of the Languedoc.
(Simon Field MW - BBR Buyer)
(Simon Field MW - BBR Buyer)
Showing 1-13 out of 13 items
Oliver Barton, Wine Buyer