Languedoc-Roussillon Flashcards
Languedoc Red Blends
(Languedoc-Roussillon
Medium Body Red
Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, along with Carignan and Cinsault (a lighter red), are the dominant grapes here. The regions of Saint-Chinian, Faugères, Minervois, Corbières, Fitou, and Pic St. Loup produce incredible quality usually for a fraction of the price as neighboring Rhône.”
“BLACK OLIVE, CASSIS, PEPPER, DRIED HERBS, CRUSHED ROCKS”
“Côtes du Roussillon,
(Languedoc-Roussillon
Full Body White
Roussillon lies next to the Spanish border and historically the region was famous for dessert wines made with Muscat Blanc and Grenache. Today, you’ll also find excellent dry red wines from places like Coullioure and Côtes du Roussillon Villages, where Grenache features prominently.”
“RASPBERRY, CLOVE, OLIVE, COCOA, CRUSHED ROCKS”
Languedoc White Blends
(Languedoc-Roussillon
Flavors may vary
Southern France grows an incredible diversity of white grapes, and the best for the warm Mediterranean climate include Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Muscat Blanc, and Vermentino (also the rare Clairette and Bourboulenc!). Wines are often blends of multiple varieties, so look into the producer to determine the taste.”
Crémant de Limoux
(Languedoc-Roussillon
Sparkling
The first sparkling wines of France can be traced back to 1531 from the Abbey in St-Hilaire in Limoux (not Champagne!). Crémant de Limoux is made with Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Try the more rare Blanquette Methode Ancestrale made with regional Mauzac grapes for a window into Limoux’s past.”
“BAKED APPLE, LEMON, LIME ZEST MASCARPONE, PEACH SKIN”
Picpoul de Pinet
(Languedoc-Roussillon
“Picpoul (aka Piquepoul) means “stings the lip,” which likely refers to the grape’s naturally high acidity. Wines from Picpoul de Pinet are refreshing and light-bodied with mouthwatering acidity. This wine is an awesome alternative to Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.”
“HONEYDEW MELON, PRESERVED LEMON, LIME, APPLE BLOSSOM, CRUSHED ROCK”
Languedoc-Roussillon
“The Languedoc-Roussillon combines the Languedoc and Roussillon regions into the largest vineyard area of France, and it’s a great place to hunt for values. Languedoc specializes in red blends made of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. Additional surprises include great sparkling wines (Crémant de Limoux), dessert wines, and zesty whites.”
Dessert Wines
(Languedoc-Roussillon)
“Roussillon produces several oustanding dessert wines with Grenache and Muscat Blanc. Grapes are picked ripe and then partially fermented, at which point eau de vie (neutral grape spirit) is added, creating a richly textured, grape-sweetened, fortified wine. The French call this winemaking method “Vin Doux Naturel” (or VDN).”
Maury
Rivesaltes
Banyuls
