THE HERITAGE CLUB - MAY 2022
Southern France is often heralded for its gorgeous weather and beaches, but they also make some fabulous wines. This month we feature two wines from a region of France that is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world, Languedoc-Roussillon.
Their diversity in winemaking is outstanding, which we will put on display. From more familiar blends Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc blends to Carignan-Grenache blends, this region is a lot of fun.
La Closerie des Lys Blanc
Producer: La Closerie, Collorvay & Terrier
Region: Limoux, Languedoc, France
Winemaker: Jean-Luc Terrier and Christian Collovray
Grape Varietal: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vermentino
Viticulture: The soil is limestone situated at altitudes from 300
and 500 windswept meters above sea level. Climate is aMediterranean with cool nights due to the Pyrenées Mountains.
Method: Aged in stainless steel vats. The wine rests on the
lees in steel until the February after harvest.
Serving Suggestion: Serve cold with light meats or a vegetable-heavy pasta dish.
Age: Drink now or wait until a hot summer day.
Tasting Notes: Fresh citrus fruits with a nice mineral finish.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
The Languedoc region in southern France produces some of the best Rose in the world and was my entry to the area. While Provence Rose is wonderful, going outside that style and showcasing is a lot of fun. Limoux, Languedoc’s coolest appellation in the south and the only AOP for Chardonnay, which is predominantly featured. Pyrenees mountains hold weather in such a place to create a warm-day, cool-night situation where the fruitness can develop while the minerality can also hold steady in the grapes.
Southern France gets to operate in a way that allows for wonderful winemaking. The winemakers must adhere to the more strict style of French winemaking, generally, while also having the benefit of having some of the most unique terroirs in all of Europe.
Château Coupe Roses-Bastide
Producer: Château Coupe Roses
Region: Minervois, Languedoc, France
Winemaker: Le Calvez-Frissant family
Grape Varietal: Equal parts Carignan and Grenache with 5% Syrah.
Viticulture: High-altitude site rich in limestone and garrigue, France’s rustic dried herb essence that can be captured in the glass. A certified organic wine.
Method: 3,300 cases are made annually in a stainless steel tank.
Age: Drink now or for up to 10 years.
Serving Suggestion: Serve slightly chilled with veal or beef. An hour of decanting will really help this wine.
Tasting Notes: Blueberry and black fruits are very prominent with a strong texture and a peppery finish.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
Chateau Coupe Roses has been in the Le Calvez family since 1614. Situated on the high plateau around the historic village of Minerve - long considered one of the best sites in Minervois. All their vineyards are hand-harvested and produce some of the best Rhône-style blends in all of the Languedoc. It would be our bet that our members have not had this style of blend before.
If you love the lighter-styled wines of Zinfandel, Merlot, or perhaps a Côtes du Rhône blend, then Carignan should be on your radar.
Carignan (care-in-yen) was long ago thought of as low quality, blending grape, however, that is quickly changing. Carignan can smell a tad strange if this is your first time with it. It has an almost meaty quality to it and requires decanting for full enjoyment. This varietal is highly productive, so we imagine it will only be featured more and more given the changes occurring in wine growing and production. Give these wines a chance and we hope you will find these Carignan wines to be well-made, fruity, and even a bit earthy.