Wines of the South of France - Tasting 6 29 10

Wines of the South of France Tasting June 29th, 2010

This month we tasted the wines of the South of France.  We actually covered two main regions - Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence.  Though known for idyllic vistas, great vacations and more intense and spicy food (think Bouillabaise), the south of France also offers great deals in terms of wine.  We sampled several wines that were less than $20!

 

Hughes Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet 2009 ~ $10

Coteaux De Lanquedoc

Picpoul

 

The only white in the line-up, this was a crowd favorite! Light and refreshing, it had a floral-lemony nose. The palate was briney and continued the floral-lemon taste delicately. For the price point, this is a deal!!!

 

Commanderie de Peyrassol Côtes de Provence Rosé 2009 ~ $20

Provence

Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Tibouren

 

This salmon-colored rosé was well-received. It had a strawberry, floral nose, but it was light and a bit underwhelming on the palate. It tasted a bit of a fleshy, stone fruit – maybe peach? I think this would be a good hot day wine and that it would work very well in Sangria.

 

Domaine la Suffrene Bandol Rosé 2009 ~ $23

Bandol, Provence

Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Grenache, Carignan

 

Another salmon-colored rosé, this wine was much more impressive. It had a round, strawberry scent on the nose with, perhaps, a bit of white pepper. The palate was intense, acidic in a mouth-watering way, and tasting of almost gooseberries and more white pepper. For serious rose drinkers.

 

Château Coupe Roses Minervois La Bastide 2006 ~ $14

Minervois, Languedoc

Grenache, Carignan

 

This wine was a fantastic, almost magenta color. It had a restrained, red-fruit aroma on the nose. On the palate, there was a clear expression of earth, but not much fruit. It had a good tannic structure and a plush mouth feel. Overall, a nice little wine for the price.

 

Château de Caladroy Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Cuvée Saint Michel 2006 ~ $20

Roussillon

Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache

 

Corked!!! Replaced with:

 

Foxen Williamson-Doré Vineyard Grenache 2007 ~ $35

Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara

Grenache

 

Everyone loved this California wine. It demonstrated the difference between new world and old world with its bold fruit expression, especially on the nose. It had great black fruit, almost pomegranate tastes on the palate. Unfortunately, this was a limited release...

 

Domaine de Fontsainte Corbières Rouge 2008 ~ $13

Corbières, Languedoc

Carignan, Grenache, Syrah

 

This brick red wine was underwhelming. It did not have much of a discernable nose – maybe a bit of red fruit? It was more delicate and almost tart on the palate with light fruit and a little earth. Blah.

 

Domaine Tempier Bandol 2007 ~ $43

Bandol, Provence

Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah

 

My favorite wine of the evening! It had a deep, dark magenta color, but without much opacity. The nose was intense with black fruit, leather and a smoky undertone. This tannic powerhouse actually was very smooth on the palate. It had a supporting smoke/tar undertone with elegant black fruit earthiness on top. This is a well-crafted wine.

 

Les Clos de Paulilles Banyuls Rimage 2007 ~ $25

Banyuls, Roussillon

Grenache

 

The only dessert wine of the evening, this was a favorite. It has a deep purple color and a slightly syrupy consistency. It has a bit of a funky nose – chocolate? Black fruit? On the palate it is sweet and delicate, with earthy-chocolate notes and black fruit. A great way to end the evening.