WINO 101

Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!

Welcome to another Carpe Vinum Newsletter and Tasting Announcement! This week we’re heading out of this cold, dry, and crisp Winter chill into the balmy Mediterranean land of the French Languedoc. I see it as bottled sunshine, warmed for a season on the vine and carefully stored in the bottle for warming us on these frosty nights. By the forecast, I’d say we’re going to need it.

So what is Languedoc? The name comes from the dialect (Occitan) that was spoken there centuries ago (Medieval times), and is actually still spoken there, in some areas. In that dialect the word for “Yes” was “Oc” leading people to refer to the land as where the language was of “Oc”. . .or Langue d’Oc. Isn’t that fascinating? I think so, but I suppose it’s immaterial regarding the wines, isn’t it? (Sigh.)

Anyway. . .It’s the region of France that runs along the Mediterranean Sea, from the border with Spain (which is technically the Rousillon district, but close enough for present purposes) to around the middle, where it meets the Provence district. You could say the region picks up where the Southern Rhone leaves off. . .both figuratively and geographically. The wines mimic the style of the Southern Rhone, with fruity and spicy reds made with Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan, Cinsault, and on and on. Long story short: Big reds. Sure, there’s white wines there too. But enough about that.

For years the Languedoc was referred to mainly as a major contributor to the “Wine Lake”, (the wine surplus that the French are apparently now using to fuel their cars) and the quality of this major wine producer was not held in very high esteem. Over the last decade, however, there has been a renaissance in producing higher-quality wines, to which they’ve been doing very well, and they should be rightly proud. They certainly do have a lot of wines available from the area, and here I’ve assembled a bunch of good ones! Lots are old favorites, and a few new things to chew on, as well. . .Enjoy!

So Friday, February 10th, between 4:30 and 9:00 PM it’s:

French Languedoc!!
Mas de Lairole 2003 Coteaux du Languedoc
Ermitage Pic Saint Loup 2003 Coteaux du Languedoc
Chateau Camplazens 2001 Coteaux du Languedoc “La Garrigue”
Mas de Martin 2004 “Roi Patriote” Vin de Pays du Val de Montferrand
St. Martin de la Garrigue 2003 Coteaux du Languedoc “Bronzinelle”

More From the Languedoc!!
Dider Barral 2002 Faugeres
Chateau D’Or et de Gueules 2000 “Cuvee Trassegum” Costieres de Nimes

A stellar deal at $10 for the First 5, $6 for the Extra 2 Premium Pours
Hope to see you here!
Seize the Wine!

Next Friday tasting Spain’s Ribera del Duero!