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Languedoc/Rousillon
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| Languedoc/Rousillon |
Tuesday, February 4, 2003
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Speakers: Serge J. Doré Wine Importer and Charles Mock, owner/winemaker, Chateau de Capitoul
The ten appellations of the Languedoc are spread over 32,000 hectares, and not one of them is like another, except for their common denominator--the Mediterranean. The region is a vineyard buttressed by the Cévennes, nestling at the foot of the Pyrenees, on a hillside in the Corbieres, ensconced in an amphitheater of the Montagne Noire or reclining on the gentle slopes leading down to the lagoons. Over the last 20 years, the Languedoc vineyards have been transformed by the work of man. Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah have become the prime varieties of the new plantations. Separate vinification of each variety, the art of their blending and the maturing methods has all helped to carve out the landscape of the Languedoc AOC into full and structured wines. During this time oenological giants such as the Mondavi family have discovered the ideal growing conditions in this region and have planted vineyards in the area.
The wines are listed in the order of presentation. Each attendee was asked to vote for their favorite wine in flight I and their three favorites reds, regardless of flight. The vote for the dessert wine was a like/dislike. Notes are a combination of the speakers and Vivian Tramontana. Prices are full mark-up in New York City.
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| Flight I: Whites |
Votes |
Full Retail $ |
Mas Saint Laurent 2001, Picpoul de Pinet
Honeysuckle and pear notes with subtle anise undertones.Medium bodied with ripe white fruit character, honey finish. Famed as an accompaniment to seafood and fish or as an aperitif. The wine must be drunk within 3-4 years of production to preserve its freshness. |
13 |
$9.00 |
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La Noble Chardonnay 2001
These wines are grown in the vineyard, not made in a cellar. It is the quality of the fruit that makes the quality of the wine. Beautiful fruit treated with respect and care yields clean, balanced, delicious wines priced for everyday consumption. |
1 |
$7.00 |
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Pastourou 2001, Viognier-Alain Paret
The Viognier grape is well known in the northern Rhone valley for the production of the Condrieu. Some producers such as Alain Paret, searched for terroir that would be hospitable to this variety. The Languedoc was the answer. Reveals peach and apricot perfume. Delicious, nicely textured and flashy flavors. Smooth and velvety in the mouth with a long finish. Very good as an aperitif/glass of wine/picnics bottle of wine.
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23 |
$9.00 |
| Flight II: RED I |
Votes |
Full Retail $ |
Château Prat de Cest 2001, Corbieres
This medium to dark ruby- colored, expansive, light to medium bodied 2001 Corbieres offers black berry and cherry aromas as well as licorice, blackberry and tarlike flavors. Drink this pretty seamless 2001 over the next four years. |
5 |
$8.00 |
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Domaine des Combes Hautes 1999, Minervois
Unoaked bottling of Carignan and Cinsault. The wine is ripe and solid, not dense, but packed with flavor and old mountain vineyard character. The basic Minervois tradition is 1/3 each 100 year old Carignan and Cinsault with the balance young vine Grenache and Syrah. Enjoy the reds for as long as there is supply. |
3 |
$15.00 |
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Domaine Marquise des Mures 1998, Les Sagnes, St- Chinian
Syrah 60% Black Grenache 35% very old Vine Carignan 5%. Profound deep purple color. Powerful bouquet, concentrated with notes of coca, prunes, cinnamon and vanilla. Velvety finesse of the tannins. Food: Roasts especially Lamb. |
8 |
$14.00 |
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Domaine de la Dournie 1999, Elise, St-Chinian
Syrah 80% Grenache Noir 20%. Dark color with purple hues. Nose is vivid aromas of toast, coca, coffee, black olive tapenade, blackberry jam and pepper. Full well rounded and pleasing palate that combines strength and sweetness Food: Roast beef and olives. Decant the wine a few hours before serving.
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4 |
$22.00 |
| Flight III: RED II |
Votes |
Full Retail $ |
Château de Capitoul 2000, Les Rocailles, Lanquedoc, "La Clape
Grenache Noir 40% Mourvedre 40 % Carignan 20 %: Beautiful dark ruby red color. Intense blackberry nose with pepper and cloves. Superb ample, peppery with baked flavors and dark fruits with a long finish. Complexity and concentration due to a long maceration of the Grenache and the Mourvedre. Food: All kinds of meats including roasted poultry. Drink it over the next 4- 5 years. |
29 |
$13.00 |
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Domaine Galtier 2000, Kermes, Lanquedoc
Syrah 60% Grenache 20 % Carignan 20 %: Purple-red color. Spicy nose with vanilla and underlying notes of red fruits and black olives a light hint of metal. A strong initial taste on the palate, full bodied sustained by solid well blended tannins. Food: Rabbit or veal.
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13 |
$13.50 |
| Flight IV: RED III |
Votes |
Full Retail $ |
Château de Pena 2001, Cotes du Roussillon
Light color, good nose. Friendly red wine. |
1 |
$12.00 |
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Château de la Liquiere 2000, Cistes, Faugeres
Syrah 40%, Black Grenache 20%, very old vine Carignan 20 %, Mourvedre 20 %:Brilliant garnet color with violet highlight. Generous complex nose with aromas of ripe cherries and blackberries, citrus and wild herbs. The wine is fleshy on the palate with firm yet rounded tannins, complex aromas, flavors of vanilla and a touch of oak. Lovely wine. |
28 |
$18.00 |
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Domaine Gautier 1999, Fitou
Syrah 60%, Grenache 20 % Carignan 20 %: Purple red color. Leathery aroma and flavors of dark plum, dried fruit and spice. Food: Excellent with rabbit or veal. |
3 |
$12.00 |
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Domaine des Gravalous 1998, Cahors
Gravel- earthy nose. Dark Color, Big fruit.
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15 |
$14.00 |
| Flight V: Desert |
Votes |
Full Retail $ |
Domaine de Tragier 1997, Banyuls
Good brick red color. Little aroma. Sweet on the palate. Nice desert wine.
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24 |
$21.25 |
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