A Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Guide: My Top 5 Favorites

When you think of French wines it is usually with intimidation, since they are the best and foremost winemakers in the entire world. Also, French wines have this assumption of being vintages from decades ago before you could drink it. In other words, you tend to think French wines are very expensive. Not true. There is a region in southern France that produces vin de pays, or country wines, known as Languedoc-Roussillon. Basically, country wines are a step above table wines. This 150 mile region stretches from the Spanish border and the Pyrenees in the west, with its coastline of the Mediterranean Sea in the center, and to the east the Rhone River and Provence. The Languedoc-Roussillon wine region alone produces more wine than the entire United States. It is also the largest wine producing region in the world. With so many wines to choose from here are my top five favorites I have enjoyed over the years and would like to share.

1.) Blanquette de Limoux - Saint-Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux Blanc de Blancs 750ML

This sparkling wine is my absolute favorite from the Languedoc region. It's actually the "true champagne". The story goes it was the first sparkling wine in 1531. A certain monk who was passing through on his way north chanced upon the region's abbey - Saint-Hilaire, stole the secret of this sparkling wine, and made it his own. It has later become the most prestigious and expensive champagne on the market, Dom Perignon. Whether the story is actually true, or folklore for this wine region, one thing is certain this is an ideal sparkling wine for any and all occasions.

You don't need to spend a great deal of money on the more famous names. Many have said, myself included, that it even tastes better than those others. The Blanquette has fruity aromas of apples and citrus made exclusively from the Mauzac and Chardonnay white grapes varieties. This results in a dry, creamy-textured, full bodied wine that has a clean taste and a long full finish. "Fresh, Lively, Crisp and Dry." Robert Parker says....."Similar to top quality, non-vintage champagne at one-third of the price." $10.99

2.) Languedoc Rosé - 2008 Les Vignerons de Fontès "Prieuré Saint-Hippolyte" Languedoc Rosé

Rosé wines in general are my favorite, even though they may be scoffed at and looked down upon by other wine lovers, however; the Languedoc rosé is not like the others. That is what makes this wine all the more appealing to me. It will hit the spot for you in the summertime when a more elegant white wine can't seem to cut it. This one will quench the thirst quickly due to its nice dryness with red fruit flavors. The aromas are fruity and floral with a medium bodied, salmon pink color. You could drink this all year round, nit just the summer. $10.99

2.) Domaine de la Madeleine, Vin de Pays de L'Herault ($10.00 approx.)

Here is a red wine that is made from Carignan in a ruby red shade of color. It looks pretty, because of its light body and dryness. There are mild tannins and wild cherry flavors that are nice on the palate. You can smell the high toned cherry that ties it all in.

4.) La Noble, Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de pays de l' Aude ($6.99 approx.)

It is a star Sauvignon Blanc wine in any tasting, because of a pale straw color with an attractive crème brulee nose of chalk and lime minerals. For the palate it is crisp with good acidity, complimented by the minerals and some citrus. It is well structured with an excellent finish.

5.) Chateau Vrai, Monbazillac ($7.50 approx.)

I have such a sweet tooth that I love my dessert wines and this one won't disappoint you. This will go with any dessert. It is pale gold in color with a seductive smell of honey, apricots, and dried figs. This wine is rich in body, but not heavy on the palate with almond and orange peel flavors.

You can find these Languedoc-Roussillon wines at your local wine shop. If they are not in stock be sure to ask the staff to order one for you. As you can see from the prices French wine can be affordable, delicious, yet remain impressive even if it is country wines from a cooperative and not necessarily a chateau. They are just as good, if not better, than the more prestigious French wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and Provence.

SOURCES:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languedoc-Roussillon_wine

http://www.frenchentree.com/languedoc-restaurants-wine/displayarticle.asp?id=25169

http://www.dininginfrance.com/languedoc_wine.htm

http://www.tablewine.com/archiv37.htm