Languedoc-Roussillon

Discover the captivating wine region nestled in the sun-kissed landscapes of southern France where the Romans first planted vineyards!

Ask wine drinkers around the world, and the word “Languedoc” is sure to elicit mixed reactions.

On the one hand, the region is still strongly tied to its past as a producer of cheap bulk wine in the eyes of many consumers. On the other hand, it is the source of countless great values providing affordable everyday pleasure, with an increasing number of higher-end wines capable of rivaling the best from other parts of France at a fraction of the price.

While there’s no denying the Languedoc’s checkered history, the last four decades have seen a noticeable shift to fine wine with an emphasis on terroir, elegance, and balance.

This week I invite you to discover (or re-discover for some of you) France's hidden gem via our Languedoc-Roussillon Tasting Flight. And for the first time ever, at Petit Philippe, we will have a 5th bonus wine as part of the tasting flight that dates back to 1985!

We will start off with a zesty white that features Grenache Blanc & Gris, a Rosé that is eminently quaffable, and then we move onto the reds with Faugères rouge and its silky tannins, then the "Clos de la Simonette" from Mas Champart, finishing with a 1985 Domaine Vaquer Côtes du Roussillon Rouge. What a line-up.

Come visit us at either location to experience the wine lineup from the South of France, with our $27 Tasting Flight featuring Languedoc-Roussillon this week.

Please read on and make it a great week-

Mark

Geography

Languedoc-Roussillon stretches along the picturesque Mediterranean coastline, boasting a diverse and breathtaking landscape. From rugged mountains to rolling hills and vineyard-dotted plains, this region offers a fascinating tapestry of terroir. The warm Mediterranean climate, cooling breezes, and varied soil types create an ideal environment for viticulture, resulting in wines of exceptional character and depth. The Languedoc makes up approximately 90% of the territory, while Roussillon occupies the other 10%.

Wines & Varietals of the Region

There are a lot of different grape varieties grown together in the vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region. And it is not only about vineyards, but also wines that are blends of different varieties. The existence of different varietals and the proper climate let the winemakers produce different styles of wine. In the Languedoc, vineyards are often called ‘patchwork’ because so many different grape varieties grow together. Most producers make blends instead of single varietal wines. Red blends from Languedoc Roussillon tend to be more full-bodied and fruit driven.  

Red Wine: Rich full-bodied red wines with Syrah,  Grenache,  Carignan  and Mourvedre  as major components

White Wine: Unoaked zesty white wines made mostly with Picpoul and Grenache Blanc. Step aside Pinot Grigio.

Rosé Wine: Same varieties in reds and whites, but pink by design.

Sparkling Wine: Cremant de Limoux is supposedly older than Champagne; and a super value.

Dessert Wine: From white sweet wines of Muscat to Maury, a red fortified wine made of Grenache that lasts up to 100 years.

Major Wine Areas in the Region

During the 1970’s the Languedoc Roussillon was guilty of overproducing wine. Old Grenache vineyards were ripped out and replaced with high-yield grape varieties such as Carignan. Since then, Languedoc Roussillon has slowly been recovering its status as a quality producer by reducing yields and going back to blending in more Grenache.

St. Chinian: Located in the middle of Languedoc Roussillon. A great many readily available wines of Saint Chinian use lighter varieties such as Carignan, Grenache and Cinsault.

Faugères: Located very close to Saint Chinian. Faugères is in the hills off the coast with a high percentage of schist soils; perfect for aromatic reds such as Grenache.

Picpoul de Pinet: A white wine appellation produced with the regional zesty white wine variety, Picpoul. Perfect with oysters.

Corbières: Fruity and juicy red wines use Carignan, Syrah and Grenache. Think easy going, like a mid-week Merlot.

Limoux and Blanquette de Limoux: Fantastic value-driven sparkling wines made in the same style as Champagne.

>> Tasting Flight Hours:

MYERS PARK:

Thursday - Closed for Brittan Event -

4:30 - 7:30pm Friday

1:00 - 7:30pm Saturday 

SOUTH END: 

5:30 - 9:00pm Thursday & Friday

1:00 - 9:00pm Saturday

1:00 - 5:30pm Sunday

>> Tasting Flight Offerings:

Domaine La Tour Vieille

"Les Canadells" Collioure Blanc 2021

Collioure, Languedoc-Roussillon, FR

$33 btl/retail

SUMMARY: This zesty white wine from the southern tip of French Catalonia is among the most interesting you’ll taste all summer. Grenache (gris/blanc) makes up the majority of this cuvée and gives it impressive body and grip while Vermentino & Macabeu lend it freshness and lift.

VARIETAL/WINEMAKING: 70% Grenaches blanc et gris, 10% Macabeo, 10% Roussane, 10% Vermentino. From 20-60 year old vineyards that grow in schist. Fermentation is achieved in stainless steel tank for 70% and the other 30% ferments in large oak barrel.

TASTING NOTE: Les Canadells offers a fruity nose made of peach and white fruits aromas that leads into a dynamic palate and a well-balanced finish.

PAIRING SUGGESTION: Goes very well with the start of evening, and also with light appetizers such as canapés and crudités.

Domaine de Fontsainte

"Gris de Gris" Corbières Rosé 2022

Corbières, Languedoc-Roussillon, FR

$24 btl/retail

SUMMARY: The first vineyards at Domaine de Fontsainte were planted by the Romans with the domaine built around a thermal spring, which was later named for the local, 12th-century patron saint, Saint Siméon; hence Fontsainte—the saint’s fount.

VARIETAL/WINEMAKING: 90% Grenache Gris, 5% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre. Slightly higher Mourvèdre % than in years past due to the Spring frost, but still is mouthwateringly crisp and eminently quaffable.

TASTING NOTE: A crystalline salmon color with superb amethyst tints. Expressive and particularly tonic, the wine immediately gives off notes of raspberry, cherry and freshly picked strawberries - followed by exotic aromas such as pineapple and mango. A direct and considerable freshness - the density and richness of the fruit mingle with the superb acid vitality giving a wine with a frisson and a magnificent persistency. Stunningly balanced, this is an extremely appetent wine!

PAIRING SUGGESTION: Drinks well poolside, and alongside grilled fish or poultry. Also complements Vietnamese dishes such as Gỏi cuốn (spring rolls) and Bánh xèo (crispy savory pancake).

Domaine Leon Barral

Faugères Rouge 2019

Faugères, Languedoc-Roussillon, FR

$48 btl/retail

SUMMARY: Cinsault & Carignan-based, this is the lightest and juiciest of Didier’s three rouge cuvées, with a velvety-soft mouthfeel. Leon Barral is a natural winemaking star in France. 

VARIETAL/WINEMAKING: 50% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 20% Cinsault. Aged in old foudres. The soil in Faugères is all schist, favoring silky tannins.

TASTING NOTE:  This wine is a gem. It's dark and nearly opaque in the glass with notes of garrigue and delicate aromas of red and black fruits such as raspberry, black currant, and licorice. Voluminous, spicy and a tasty delicacy of generous fruit. A nice underlying freshness, civilized tannins and a long, elegant finish.

PAIRING SUGGESTION: Pairs well with your favorite hamburger (or Impossible Burger!) hot off the grill.

Mas Champart

"Clos de la Simonette" Saint-Chinian Rouge 2017

Saint-Chinian, Languedoc-Roussillon, FR

$36 btl/retail

SUMMARY: The hands-down benchmark of Saint-Chinian by which all others are judged. A single swirl & sniff of this Mourvèdre-majority masterpiece is all it takes to see what 41 years of experience can bring to the table.

VARIETAL/WINEMAKING: 65% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, 15% Carignan. Aged for 18 months in demi-muids after a long maceration.

TASTING NOTE: A fragrant and focused Saint Chinian with dark cherries, blackberries, earth, cloves and dried herbs, Medium-bodied with powdery tannins and fresh acidity. Round and velvety with a direct, fruity finish. 

PAIRING SUGGESTION: Let's switch this up with a dessert pairing... Dark chocolate tart with raspberry coulis. The wine's dark fruit flavors and velvety texture harmonize with the richness and bitterness of the dark chocolate, while the raspberry coulis adds brightness and a hint of sweetness.

Domaine Vaquer

Côtes du Roussillon Rouge 1985

Languedoc-Roussillon, FR

$70 btl/retail

SUMMARY: Located in the Pyrenees mountain town of Tresserre at 650 feet elevation, from Domaine Vacquer you can see down to Collioure and the Mediterranean sea. The vicious Tramontane wind of the region whips through Frédérique’s garrique-covered vines, including old plantings of Carignan, planted just after WWII.

VARIETAL/WINEMAKING: A blend of multiple grape varietals commonly found in the Côtes du Roussillon region that includes: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvèdre.

TASTING NOTE: Notes of cumin, roasted carrots, and old book leather on the nose are met with mocha and cherry cordial on the palate. The depth and balance here are extraordinary, and even wilder is the amount of life and freshness that is still present. Substantial and hauntingly complex, with a 'Pinot-esque' finesse. Pour slowly and decant if necessary. 

PAIRING SUGGESTION: Consider sipping alone. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a well-aged wine is to savor it on its own without any particular food pairing. This allows you to fully appreciate its complexity, aromas, and flavors without any distractions.

We Will Have Your Order Ready for Pick-up at either Myers Park, or South End Store Locations!

 704.332.9910 (Myers Park) | 704.332.9913 (South End)

 [email protected] | www.petitphilippe.com

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