Today, more than ever, there is a focus on "value wines." Folks need to get the most for their cash while still imbibing new classy wines. One of the regions where "value wine" can be discovered is in France's Wild Southwest. This region used to be known just for producing bulk wine. But, I've discovered a spot where I suspect you'll be able to find quality at a reasonable cost: Domaine La Croix Belle in the Languedoc.
Let me tell you about some of my favourites...
Saint-Chinian '04 - A classic Languedoc red wine. Lush and saturated, this wine has a hint of finesse and tons of plum, berry, and dark cherry tastes. Medium-weight tannins complete the zesty finish. This wine has a genuine richness to it and is perfect for any winter dinner.
Coteaux de Languedoc '04 - A mix of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Cinsault. This wine is luscious, rich, and full-bodied, with layers of dark plum, chocolate, cassis, and brandied cherry flavours. It has a muscled structure, with lots of smoke and bitter-sweet chocolate on the finish. Perfect with roast beef, lamb, or game. It was awarded 90 points by the Wine Spectator.
Champ du Lys Blanc '07 - This wine is a blend of white Grenache finished with Viognier. The Grenache gives the wine a solid mouth feel and the Viogner provides subtle aromas. Overall, this wine is a flavorful, medium-bodied white, brightly flavored with peach and gently herbaceous. This wine was recognised as one of the top 100 Vin de Pays in the UK for '09.
No. 7 Blanc '04 - Perhaps the fullest white wine you may ever imbibe. It is perfect for imbibing by the fireplace with fondue and pate. It is a mix of seven white grapes (Viognier, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon, Carignan, Muscat, and Chasan). The Wine Spectator awarded it 90 points.
"Value wines," by nature, are difficult to identify. In fact, if everybody recognised them as valuable, their cost would increase and they might no longer be "value wines." Value wines must fly under the radar to some extent. Therefore, I encourage you to test out wines from Southwest France in general, and Domaine La Croix Belle in particular, before everyone else becomes mindful of their value.
Let me tell you about some of my favourites...
Saint-Chinian '04 - A classic Languedoc red wine. Lush and saturated, this wine has a hint of finesse and tons of plum, berry, and dark cherry tastes. Medium-weight tannins complete the zesty finish. This wine has a genuine richness to it and is perfect for any winter dinner.
Coteaux de Languedoc '04 - A mix of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Cinsault. This wine is luscious, rich, and full-bodied, with layers of dark plum, chocolate, cassis, and brandied cherry flavours. It has a muscled structure, with lots of smoke and bitter-sweet chocolate on the finish. Perfect with roast beef, lamb, or game. It was awarded 90 points by the Wine Spectator.
Champ du Lys Blanc '07 - This wine is a blend of white Grenache finished with Viognier. The Grenache gives the wine a solid mouth feel and the Viogner provides subtle aromas. Overall, this wine is a flavorful, medium-bodied white, brightly flavored with peach and gently herbaceous. This wine was recognised as one of the top 100 Vin de Pays in the UK for '09.
No. 7 Blanc '04 - Perhaps the fullest white wine you may ever imbibe. It is perfect for imbibing by the fireplace with fondue and pate. It is a mix of seven white grapes (Viognier, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon, Carignan, Muscat, and Chasan). The Wine Spectator awarded it 90 points.
"Value wines," by nature, are difficult to identify. In fact, if everybody recognised them as valuable, their cost would increase and they might no longer be "value wines." Value wines must fly under the radar to some extent. Therefore, I encourage you to test out wines from Southwest France in general, and Domaine La Croix Belle in particular, before everyone else becomes mindful of their value.
About the Author:
Nic Haegeli still considers himself relatively new to the wine business, but he currently has many years of experience as a wine manager at Colonial Spirits of Acton, an Acton liquor store. With a Bachelor's in History and a Master's in Public Policy in International Relations, Nic never imagined himself working with wine. However, he was raised in Alsace, France... Thus, it is sensible when you know his motherland. Nic would like to invite you to come by our liquor store for one of our many wine tastings... and don't forget to visit our Wine Blog!
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