My Languedoc Day choice – 2009 Chateau de Landure Minervois

2009 Chateau de Landure Minervois

I’ve truly enjoyed using the excuse of Languedoc Day to learn about this region of southern France and its varietals. Historically the area which dates or even predates Roman times is amazing. For those with an interest please see my earlier post near the bottom for more information. I am also providing additional information about this winemaker below.

Luckily for my wallet Languedoc wines are reasonably priced with many falling in the $8-$24.00 range. My choice is from Total Wine & More and I picked it after studying the characteristics of each wine. Narrowing the choice down as I came across attributes that usually appeal to me; dark fruit, medium body etc.  I was originally drawn to a different 2010-11 vintage because of its RESERVE classification but decided on the Chateau de Landure because of its slightly older vintage. In my mind the extra time in the bottle would be beneficial not only to the personality of the wine but also to the imbiber, me of course.

As many from this region are this wine is a blend: 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre. As I decanted this wine I was surprised [pleasantly] to see its very dark rich color.  I would describe it as an intensive very dark purple nearing black. The color is truly something to see.  The aroma/bouquet was highly aromatic, very dark fruit forward with intense notes of raisin, currant and black pepper. As it opened I also noted; vanilla and violet. On the palate I detected many of the same with the continued strength of black pepper and stewed fruits; raisin/prune at its base.  Interestingly the medium tannin level seemed to strengthen on the finish.  Overall a very harmonious balance.

I did not expect the “New Worldliness” of this wine. I was expecting Old World style delicateness. This wine is bold and explosive. I truly enjoyed it and it was perfectly paired with our grilled rib-eye and roasted potato dinner. I would recommend this delicious French wine for those who prefer their wines dark, fruity and exciting.

I’ve saved the best for last, the price! An almost unbelievable $8.99. At this QPR [quality price ratio] I believe I will be going back for more.

Salud!

Chateau Landure
Dating back to the Cathares, this wine estate in the very capable hands of Luc Rouvière and his family, has created a full bodied red wine that is superb in bag in box, or in bottle, as well as a newer Rosé that also exhibits a similar finesse.
This very pretty domaine, is a short drive from Bize Minervois on the road to Minerve and Saint Pons. The property dates back to        Cathar and no doubt pre Roman times. It was once part of the lands of Fontfroide Abbey.
It comprises 26 hectares, with Vins de Pays d’Oc and AOC.  The ground is clay and limestone and the vineyard grows the varieties of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Carignan.

Related articles

• May 3rd Languedoc Day – My search is on! (whineandcheersforwine.wordpress.com)
• What about Languedoc Roussillon vineyard ? (travelmaniaaroundtheglobe.wordpress.com)
• Burgundy vs Bordeaux vs Languedoc? (bordoverview.blogspot.com)

May 3rd Languedoc Day – My search is on!

Vinyard nr Perpignan, Languedoc region, France 2006 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’ll be celebrating this weekend! Salud!

From YAHOO newswire;

Whole Foods Market & Forkly host a gift certificate giveaway in celebration of wines from Southern France’s Languedoc region
Denver, CO (PRWEB) April 30, 2012  During the month of May, Whole Foods Market and Forkly are joining wine aficionados across the US to celebrate Languedoc Day (May 3) and Chardonnay Day (May 24). The two companies are encouraging their customers and users to participate in the virtual celebrations with a giveaway of over fifteen Whole Foods gift certificates–and an even bigger gift to Forkly users (blog.forkly.com and 21+ only) who post and rate Languedoc wine on May 3 and Chardonnay wine on May 24.

These virtual holidays aim to build awareness of the incredible range of wines from Languedoc region of Southern France with tastings, social media interaction (being tracked on twitter with hash tags #LanguedocDay and #ChardDay), and this year, through Forkly.

Whole Foods Market and 1000corks.com both retail Languedoc wines and will make them easy to find on May 3—but even easier for Forkly users. Forkly, a free and popular iPhone app for global food and drink lovers, captures personal tastes—including wine tastes—and generates interaction around those tastes.

Bay Area sommelier Rick Bakas says: “The Languedoc (pronounced “long-dock”) produces many of the grape varieties you already know, including Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and Mourvedre to name a few, as well as some you may not know like Piquepoul, Carignan, and Mauzac.”

He says of the celebration, “The appellations we’ll taste on May 3 blend these grapes into some of the most exciting wines coming out of France today. And many of the wines are very affordable with an average retail price of about $15.”

To participate, the public can: download the free Forkly app from the Apple store to learn about the Forkly and Whole Foods celebrations; register on the Languedoc Day eventbrite page (http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2350368014); and follow Whole Foods Market on Forkly to be entered for a gift certificate.

Here’s a description of the Languedoc region from LanguedocAdventure.com:

“The Languedoc, South of France, is France’s most dynamic wine region, where adventurous producers are redefining traditions and producing some of the country’s most exciting wines today. As the largest wine region in France, the Languedoc, South of France is blessed with some of the best terroir for winemaking in the country.  An auspicious blend of soil, wind, sun and the Mediterranean Sea produce naturally healthy vineyards and result in wines which wrap an enticing character in a voluptuously smooth mouthful. This is an area which has seen tremendous innovation, but which recognizes the gift of tradition and spirit of adventure. Languedoc produces a wealth of grape varieties, both indigenous and international, that flourish here along the Mediterranean coast.  The Languedoc includes over 20 AOCs and it is these wines which show Languedoc at its best. Join the adventure today and explore these wines!”