Wine of the Month September 2024: All Around France

AROUND FRANCE

     French wines have significantly shaped the landscape of emerging and evolving wine regions around the globe. Thus, it’s likely that even if you’ve never tasted a French wine, you’ve probably enjoyed one that draws inspiration from France. Notably, grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay all trace their roots back to this country, with the French expressions showcasing unique qualities that set them apart.  

     There are 11 prominent wine regions in France, showcasing a diverse range of climates and landscapes. Certain areas stand out more than others due to their production levels, extensive distribution, and significant impact. Among the most renowned and impactful regions in France are Bordeaux, Bourgogne, the Rhône Valley, the Loire Valley, and Champagne. The Languedoc-Roussillon region is lesser known, however, it is France's largest wine-producing region and vineyard area. The region covers more than 300,000 hectares of vineyards and produces about one-third of all French wines, including 11% of the world's rosé wine. Sampling French wines provides an insightful glimpse into the development of contemporary wine, so this month we’ve selected 2 french wines for your organoleptic enjoyment.

     Our white wine comes from the Vouvray region in the Loire Valley. Vouvray ranks among France's oldest officially recognized wine appellations, with its picturesque vineyards cultivating grapes since the Medieval period. Historical records indicate that Saint-Martin, a key figure in founding the renowned Marmoutier Abbey nearby, played a vital role in the inception and growth of these vineyards. Additionally, it is documented that the Chenin grape, thought to have originated in the Anjou wine region during the 9th century, eventually spread to Vouvray. Following that period, caves were utilized to establish wine cellars that maintained a cool environment. This consistently low temperature provided the perfect conditions for crafting sparkling wine, a groundbreaking technique in the 18th century that significantly contributed to Vouvray's renowned reputation. In 1936, Vouvray was officially recognized as an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC).

     Our red wine comes from Fitou, a red wine designation located in the center of southern France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. Its name is derived from a quaint village situated a short distance from the Mediterranean coastline. Typically, Fitou red wines are quite similar to those produced in the adjacent Corbières area, characterized by rustic, herbal notes, hints of leather, medium body, and moderate tannins. Both regions utilize the same grape varieties, and the terroir in southern Corbières closely resembles that of Fitou. The difference lies in tradition and local pride. Any suggestion for merging the Fitou appellation with Corbières would likely face fierce opposition from the dedicated winemakers of Fitou.

     During the latter half of the 19th century, the Languedoc-Roussillon shifted from crafting esteemed wines, which garnered literary acclaim, to mass-producing wines to meet the surging demand resulting from the Industrial Revolution. It wasn't until a series of protests by winemakers in the early 20th century that the region was able to rectify the situation and curb excessive production. Nevertheless, the journey for the Languedoc to regain its pre-Industrial Revolution prominence in winemaking has been a challenging one. It's important to note that this tumultuous history does influence the market prices of these wines, ultimately affecting consumers like us, who, regrettably, benefit from it.

     Mont Tauch, a winery cooperative established in 1913, has been rooted for over a century in the quaint village of Tuchan, nestled within the Fitou region at the intersection of Languedoc and Roussillon. Mont Tauch has earned a global reputation for its robust and well-structured red wines like this month’s red selection.