Table 1 Sud de France Languedoc-Roussillon Sud Ouest Top 100 /cont. @suddefranceuk <strong>The</strong> wine producing region of Occitanie is enormous. It is in fact the largest in France in terms of size (263,000 ha) and a production accounting for over a third of the overall French production and 5% of global wine production. <strong>The</strong> Occitanie region combines the wine regions of the Languedoc and Roussillon with part of the vineyards of the South West and a small section of the vineyards of the south-west Rhône valley. <strong>The</strong> combined vinous wealth of these three vineyards equates to an incredibly diverse range of wines and styles. It is renowned as the most innovative wine region in France, and increasingly as a producer of world class top quality wines. A total of 56 grape varieties have been approved for making wine in Occitanie combining both well-known international varieties and more obscure, local varieties. It also has a wide diversity of terroirs, with 61 AOCs and 29 IGPs spread across 13 departments, so there are always plenty of new and exciting wines to choose from! • 1. Maison Antech, Cuvée Héritage, 2016, AOC Crémant de Limoux, France Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac, Pinot Noir. A Crémant with a refined, light sparkle, the nose shows delicate scents of flowers and white peach with citrus fruit aromas. This is a very well balanced wine. [£20 - £24.99] • 2. Laurent Miquel, Albariño, 2018, IGP Aude, France 100% Albariño, Aromas of grapefruit with a delicate floral overtone, the palate is refreshing with generous white peach flavours and a hint of lime on the finish. [£10 - £12.99] • 3. Cave de L'Ormarine, Cuvée Prestige, 2018, AOC Picpoul de Pinet, France 100% Piquepoul blanc. Luminous, pale yellowy gold with pearly sheen hue. Reveals subtle lychee and pear aromas. Fresh attack revealing lemongrass and citrus aromas. Buttery notes and roundness lead to a soft persistent finish. A very well- balanced wine. [£10 - £12.99] • 4. Domaine du Grand Crès, Crescendo, 2017, AOC Corbières, France Roussanne, Vermentino. A dry and racy white wine, honeyed, creamy, with breadth and opulence. Aromas of grapefruit and white flowers. Good richness, good balancing acidity and complex flavours. [£10-12.99] • 5. Domaines Paul Mas, Jardin des Roses, 2018, AOC Languedoc, France Syrah, Grenache Noir, Cinsault. A lovely pale-pink colour, fine and subtle nose of berries aromas with red fruits notes, hints of blackberry and cherries. Palate is lively with notes of red fruits. [£13 - 14.99] • 6. Vignobles des 3 Châteaux, Taste <strong>The</strong> Difference Réserve, 2017, AOC Languedoc Pic- Saint-Loup, France Syrah, Grenache Noir. Deep red colour. Intense nose of garrigue, violet, blackcurrant and ripe fruits notes. Round and supple mouthfeel with silky tannins and long finish with peppered notes. [£10 - £12.99] • 7. Chateau des Estanilles, Le Clos du Fou, 2016, AOC Faugères, France Syrah, Grenache Noir. Deep ruby robe, and a pronounced yet delicate nose with aromas of violets and black fruit. On the palate, the wine has a surprising complexity and balance, and good tannic structure. Notes of cocoa, liquorice and coffee enhance the final bouquet. [£20 - £24.99] • 8. Cave de Roquebrun, Les Hauts de Saint-Martin, 2018, AOC Saint-Chinian, France Syrah, Grenache Noir, Carignan Noir, Mourvèdre. Spicy with a complex, chocolate-textured palate of dark fruits and a delicious herbal tang. packed with juicy black cherry fruit and spices. [£10 - £12.99] 18
Sud de France Languedoc-Roussillon Sud Ouest Top 100 /cont. @suddefranceuk Table 1 • 9. Gérard Bertrand, Château L'Hospitalet Grand Vin, 2017, AOC La Clape, France Syrah, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre. <strong>The</strong> intense nose carries predominant aromas of spices and red berries . On the palate, the fine, silky tannins enhance the fruity freshness of the wine. [£25+] • 10. Chateau de L'Herbe Sainte, Tradition, 2017, AOC Minervois, France Syrah, Carignan. Bright, deep red colour. Pleasant nose of black fruit, olive and garrigue. On the palate, a dense wine with well-integrated tannins and the same aromas reminiscent of southern France. [£10 - £12.99] • 11. Domaines Paul Mas, Chateau Jérémie, 2017, AOC Corbières, France Grenache Noir, Carignan Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah. Intense purple colour. <strong>The</strong> nose has beautifully intense red fruits and fig aromas. On the palate the wine is soft and fruity with cherry and fresh walnut flavours and well integrated silky tannins. [£10 - 12.99] • 12. Château Peyssonnie, 2018, AOC Muscat de Frontignan, France 100% Muscat à Petits Grains. Deep gold colour. Delicate nose with white flowers, honey and pear aromas. Full and sweet flavours are harmoniously balanced by elegant citrus notes. [£25+] 19