With around 700,000 acres under vine, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France is perhaps the largest wine-growing area in the world. Beginning where the Rhone ends in the southeast, the Languedoc (as it’s frequently abbreviated; see below for more on why) follows the Pyrenees mountains down to the Mediterranean, and then traces the coastline from Provence to the Spanish border. It is responsible for one out of every three wine bottles sold in France, and one in ten worldwide. Languedoc-Rousillon is also the oldest wine-producing area in France, as Greek viticulture here started about 3,000 years ago (followed by the Romans, then the monks, and finally everybody else.)
That dual administrative identity is a much more recent development though, a marriage of political and economic convenience established in 1982, whose hyphen hides a significant geographical and cultural mis-match. The Languedoc portion is much larger, comprising some 90% of the combined territory and quintessentially French in character (hence the partner-effacing synecdoche.) Rousillon on the other hand, occupies a comparative spec of territory, tucked into France’s southwestern border - and the proximity to Spain means everything, from the street signs, to the accents, to the cuisine, they all bear clear Iberian, more specifically Catalonian, influences.
The divide makes for a fascinating, variegated and self-evidently fecund wine scene.
Languedoc's vineyards are mostly located on coastal plains, while Roussillon’s are either perched on cliff tops or nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Though Rhone varietals (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan for the reds; Marsanne, Roussane and Grenache Blanc for the white) predominate everywhere, you can find all kinds of grapes in the mix somewhere, planted across an array of soil types and circumstances. There are 38 different appellations in all, from Corbieres - the largest, known for Carignan dominant red blends - to Blanquette de Limoux, which makes affordable sparkling wines.
For our two selections this month, we have a white wine from Roussilon, a blend of the Spanish grape Macabeo and Grenache Gris that is, characteristically for the area, farmed organically and biodynamically (Rousillon ranks 1st among French regions in percentage of organic and biodynamic vineyards by hectare) at the base of the Pyrenees; and a red from the Minervois appellation, arguably responsible for Languedoc’s best dark hued bottlings, mostly made from Syrah and Grenache.
Cheers!
The PlumpJack Wine Team
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Domaine du Somail Le Vin de Plume |
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Region / Country of Origin: Minervois |
About the winery: Domaine du Somail is a natural wine estate launched in 2013 by three passionate individuals in the Minervois region. Founded on a love for nature and a commitment to authenticity, Julie, François, and Germain use biodynamic and natural practices to craft wines that reflect the unique connection between earth, vine, and cosmos. Their philosophy is reflected in their use of natural yeasts, biodynamic practices, and herbal treatments for the vines, ensuring a healthy environment for both the land and those who enjoy their wines.The Mediterranean climate is also a big influence in Minervois, with over 315 days of sunshine a year. The topography protects the vineyards from excessive rain, with mountains and hills creating a rain shadow effect. About the winemaking: 80% Mourvedre 20% Syrah. Grapes are handpicked and destemmed, fermented with indigenous yeast in temperature-controlled concrete tanks for around 15 days. Maceration involves pump-overs and unballasting, with no added sulfur dioxide. The wine is pressed using a tilted plate press and aged for 8-12 months in various tanks, resting on fine lees. Tasting Notes: Deep ruby color in the glass. The nose is complex and elegant with notes of iris, violet, almond, cherry and garrigue. On the palate, this wine is fresh, generous and fleshy with notes of flowers, red fruits, and spices. |
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Winemaker: Francois Febress |
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Price: $22.99+tax |
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Suggested Food Pairing: This wine is ideal as an aperitif, or paired with grilled rib steak, lentil soup, pork sausage, shiitake mushrooms or with hard cheeses like cheddar, edam or Provolone. |
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Paul Meunier & Lucile Morin Centernach 2020 Les Choremes Blanc |
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Region / Country of Origin: Centernach, Rousillon, FR |
About the Winery: Paul Meunier is a 5th generation winemaker who grew up in Burgundy at the domain owned by his parents, J.J. Confuron. Following his studies, he traveled in South America for a year, and upon his return got a degree in viticulture and winemaking. For several years he split his time between Lebanon as a contract winemaker and a winemaker’s assistant at a winery in Australia while also teaching at a winemaking school in Chile and sommelier work in Japan. He and partner Lucile Morin eventually moved to the Roussillon village of Centernach, in the upper Agly Valley in 2013-14 where he farms 25 acres. They’ve since experimented with agroforestry, planting trees and hedges to give diversity and protection to their soils and vines. From the start, they’ve worked organically and their oldest parcels are plowed by horse. About the winemaking: 80% Macabeu and 20% Grenache Gris from a single organically farmed parcel planted in 1950 on a high north-facing slope in Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet along the base of the Pyrenées. The grapes are picked early and harvested and fermented together with ambient yeast in a combination of amphora and stainless steel tank before aging on the lees for 12-18 months in steel tanks. Tasting notes: A pale gold in the glass with a nose reminiscent of citrus tea and wild herbs. Round and plush on the palate with acidity that is present but not overbearing, this wine is a symphony of dried melon, salted lemon, dried herbs, preserved citrus, and an almost sake like note that shows itself as it opens. The finish is long and dry, ending on a savory, citrus peel note. |
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Winemaker: Paul Meunier and Lucile Morin |
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Price: $32.99+tax |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Dim sum, tamal en cazuela |
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