Here are two very good wines, both from the Languedoc region of southern France, both costing about $23 retail, and each showing subtle differences in style. Though they’re not from the same vintage, the terroir is similar and recognizable, but the style of winemaking shows through.
First is the Ermitage du Pic St. Loup, Cuvée Sainte Agnès 2005 Côteaux du Languedoc, imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants in Berkeley, California. It is fresh and herbaceous, with herbal notes of the “garrigue” – sage and thyme, especially – and an appealing citrusy note of orange peel. I suspect no new oak in this wine, just concrete vat fermentation and perhaps some aging in “neutral” barrels to give texture. I haven’t yet called the importer to verify my impression, but that is how the wine tastes. The 2006 of this wine ranked 57th in La Revue du Vin de France's list of the 100 best reds of the Languedoc, in the magazine's July/August issue.
Second is the Castelmaure Grande Cuvée 2006 “Vendages Humaines,” whatever that means. It’s imported by Kysela Père et Fils of Winchester, Virginia. Heavier and slightly higher in alcohol (14.5% compared to 14% for the Pic St. Loup), it shows the same garrigue and herbal flavors, but with more body and weight. This wine should appeal to consumers who prefer California wines – but I do not mean that the wine tastes Californian or “New World” in style. It’s just a little different.
Both very good wines. Similar flavors, slight but noticeable differences in style. Delicious expressions of the Languedoc … and just what wine is all about.
'south of France' means ?
'south of french state' ... May be it'is better to named correctly.
Godilhaire from Occitània
Posted by: Godilhaire | September 08, 2009 at 12:21 PM