Live the Carefree Life with Languedoc Wine in the Glass

The sun is shining and I have a spring in my step despite the fact that there are a few mounds of snow left on my lawn! Why do I feel so carefree and relaxed? I’ve been sipping four flavorful and affordable Languedoc wines, sent to me as samples. With every taste, I’ve rediscovered an appreciation for the simple and delicious pleasures of life.

It’s been a delight to learn more about this pioneering wine region in the South of France. Languedoc embraces the Mediterranean Sea at the foothills of the Pyrenees and is the largest wine region in France with double the vineyard area of Australia and larger than all of California. Its proximity to the mountains and the sea and a variety of soil types and climate are just a few natural factors which help produce memorable wines which are consistent from one vintage to another.  What’s not to love?

Most of the region boasts a Mediterranean climate and clay and limestone soils.  Other areas in Languedoc have a Continental climate with schist and granite soils.  Low rainfall levels, abundant sunshine, and strong winds help promote natural farming methods and wine production. Because of the variation of climate, soils, and grape varieties, a wide range of wine styles can be found.

Languedoc produces almost a third of all French wine thanks to its 42 AOCs and IGPs that are responsible for more than 144 million bottles! Red wines comprise 59% of production, 23% are rosé and 18% are whites. The main red grapes from Languedoc are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Carignan and white varieties include Picpoul (or Piquepoul), Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Mauzac, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Muscat, Macabeu, Viognier, and Vermentino.

Languedoc is considered the most “green” wine region in the world with many eco-friendly wines including organic to “High Environmental Value” to sustainable and biodynamic. 10% of the world’s organic vineyards and 33% of France’s organic vineyards are in Languedoc. How about rosé from Languedoc? Often considered the “greatest French Rosé producer,” the region produces 30% of France’s rosé wines.

And let’s not forget a bit of history… Languedoc was the birthplace of sparkling wine in 1531 when the monks of Saint-Hilaire Abbey produced it “by mistake.” Even today, Languedoc continues to be a dynamic sparkling wine region due to its demonstrated ability to produce diverse, quality-driven choices. Some of my favorite sparklings from Limoux, for example, are of Mauzac, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay varieties.

Now, about those wines that exude liquid sunshine in my glass! Hugues Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet 2019 was a snappy, light and refreshing wine perfect to sip with grilled seafood, lobster bisque or fresh crabmeat salad. Picpoul is the name of the local variety and the area of Picpoul is the largest white wine region in Languedoc. This particular wine was of grapes cultivated by the Hugues Beaulieu Cave Cooperative in the sunny hillsides known as “costires” (coastal region) in the Mediterranean garrigue near Marseillan. On the nose, I found signature floral aromas and flavors of lemon, citrus, and savory herbs. The utterly delightful finish lingered and I kept thinking that I needed another glass enjoyed in a lounge chair with a sweeping view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Relaxation and a glass of rosé always go together, right? Domaine Montrose Rosé 2019 of 65% Grenache, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah offered just what I needed at the end of a busy day. Pale pink in color, aromas and flavors of red berries, juicy peaches and subtle spice were charming and elegant. The name Montrose indicates the Domaine’s location on a volcano (mont) and to the pink (rose) flowering almond trees on the perimeter of the vineyard. Bernard Coste is the 11^th generation of the family to operate the vineyard that was founded in 1701 when Coste’s ancestor received his coat of arms from King Louis XIV’s counselor. When in need of an easy-going and breezy wine, have a glass or two of Domaine Montrose Rosé 2019.

If you’ve never tried Blanquette de Limoux, this is your chance. 90% Mauzac, 5% Chenin Blanc and 5% Chardonnay are the varieties in Blanquette de Limoux Michele Capdepon. Produced using the méthode traditionelle (the second fermentation is in the bottle), this beautiful sparkling wine oozed aromas of acacia, blossoms, hint of bramble, and minerality. Dancing bubbles were enticing and notes of lemon, grapefruit, almonds and hazelnuts were brilliant complements to oysters, sushi, smoked salmon, and aged cheeses (of course!). An evening of laid-back al fresco dining on the list? Pour a chilled glass of Blanquette de Limoux!

As authentic as Languedoc is Clos Fantine AOC Faugeres 2017, a blend of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault. All of the wines of Clos Fantine are made from biodynamically grown grapes without any fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, pesticides or copper or added sulfites. Grapes are fed whole cluster into large concrete vats, fermented with native yeasts and bottled unfiltered and unfined. This wine aged for 18 months. Aromas and flavors of herbs, spice, black fruit, and meat were both savory and rustic. Enjoy a glass or two with charcuterie and cheeses, pot roast with grilled vegetables, or a rich and flavorful pizza.

Our takeaway? Let’s pour Languedoc wine and experience what the words “carefree and relaxed” truly mean!

Cheers! ~ Cindy

For more Grape Experiences and a free infographic “4 Keys to a Stellar Wine Pick” click here.