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.
Learn more about Languedoc-Roussillon
Over the last 25 years, the fortunes of Languedoc-Rousillon have been transformed largely due to the introduction of the Vin de Pays classification in 1979. This led to extensive replanting on more suitable sites, a drastic reduction in permitted yields and, crucially, reducing the dependence of red wines on the ubiquitous Carignan grape.
The new classification enabled producers not only to experiment with other grape varieties, but also to pick up the gauntlet thrown down by the New World – to give the customers what they wanted, namely clearly-labelled international varietals like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Despite a sometimes deserved reputation for its contributions to the European wine lake, this exciting region continues to see a flow of investment from the Bordelais and others, which has enabled the evolution of the qualitative pyramid to continue. Perhaps the most striking improvements have been seen in Minervois La Livinière and Pic Saint Loup, but not far behind are the wines of St.Chinian and Cabardès.
Regardless of the financial influx and the wonderful terroir of the different appellations, the increase in quality is also allied to some extraordinarily-gifted winemakers, including Jean-Luc Terrier and Jean-Louis Denois.
Prices:
Bottle
£11.95
Bottle 12 x 75cl 137cs
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.
Bottle
£12.25
Bottle 6 x 75cl 440cs
H/Litre
£19.95
H/Litre 12 x 50cl 14cs
Oliver Barton, Wine Buyer
Bottle
£20.95
Bottle 12 x 75cl 17cs
First planted by the Romans, these beautiful vineyards share the terrain with the Roquefort-producing sheep and the wild savagery of the garrigue. The “domaine” consists of a stone barn, its location almost exactly halfway between the two great properties of Grange des Pères and Mas de Daumas Gassac.
Syrah dominates the blend once again in 2011, with Grenache and Mourvèdre lending support. The 2011 vintage is an attractive, forward, somewhat underappreciated vintage (by all but the growers and select cognoscenti!); all positive when one reflects upon the sheer inscrutable power of La Peira in “big” vintages. Elegance is all here, with cassis and plum fruit evocative of Médoc class and a spicy, gently peppery finish rendering suitable homage to the Mediterranean.
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Bottle
£32.34
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Magnum
£59.60
Magnum 1 x 150cl 6cs
Magnum 1 x 150cl 1cs
The 2011 Coteaux du Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac shows fine form, with ample black and purple fruits, searing minerality, and a tight, compact feel that just begs for additional cellar time. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and with polished, yet present tannin, it should be at its best from 2016-2026.
Established in 1985 and covering 15 hectares around the village of Jonquieres, north of Montpellier and in the Terrasses du Larzac region, Mas Jullien is run by the passionate Olivier Jullien, who was one of the early pioneers of the region to push for quality.
Farming all organically, he uses varying degrees of whole clusters during fermentation, vinifies each variety separately and utilizes primarily larger format barrels for aging. The entire lineup is stacked with quality and the wines show distinct, individual personalities. Moving to the reds, Jullien does two cuvees, the Terrasses du Larzac release which is a blend of Carignan, Mourvedre and Syrah, and cuvee Carlan, which is mostly Grenache, with smaller parts Carignan, Cinsault and Syrah.
94/100 Jeb Dunnuck eRobertParker.com #212 Apr 2014
*Discount already applied to product price. No further discount will be applied at checkout.Until 31st August this product is discounted by 30%*
Winemaker Olivier Jullien first started making wine in the Languedoc in the early 1980s when much of the Languedoc was known for producing commercial wine. Arriving after such a great vintage as 2010, the 2011 was always destined to suffer by comparison. Olivier was keen to stress that he was not planning to make a “petit frère”, but rather to work hard to create a wine with its own personality, one that truly reflects the vintage.
Located to the northeast of Montpellier, the modish Terrasses du Larzac produce this Southern Rhône blend. Comprising Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan, the wine is full-bodied and rich. This is a heady wine with rich fruit backed by firm tannins and a full-bodied structure. It will pair well with big, rich dishes.
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Magnum
£65.00
Magnum 6 x 150cl 2cs
Bottle
£83.25
A blend of Syrah and Carignan, black olive, pepper and bramble fruits play on the nose. Spice and garrigue add complexity on the palate. The firm, fine-grained tannins are well integrated, with juicy fruit density and a mineral backbone. Delicious.
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
This particular vineyard is, it seems, located on the site of a prehistoric lake and the soil shared between petrified volcanic emissions, limestone and basalt.
The assemblage has been aged for 20 months in barrique and then given time in the winery to settle and harmonise. The 2010 has leather and licorice on the nose, a hint of soisbois perhaps, then a rich and very complete palate, with blackberry and cassis, a lick of pepper and softly acquiescent tannins. Highly recommended with duck breast and figs or pigeon and ceps.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Oliver Barton, Wine Buyer