The Languedoc

The sun-drenched vineyards of the Languedoc stretch along the Mediterranean coast from the mouth of the Rhone in the east to just north of Perpignan. This is the world’s largest wine region and despite an extensive program of uprooting vineyards, still produces more wine than the whole of Australia.

Away from the flat and fertile plains however there are some exceptional terriors, typically on the hillsides where shallow soils mean almost nothing else will grow. Here passionate growers tend gnarled old vines and produce some of the best value and most exciting wines not just in France, but in the world. Since the 1980s new appellations such as St Chinian and Faugeres have emerged from mass of Languedoc Vin de Pays and have now taken their place alongside the long established regions of Minervois and Corbieres.

For this offer we have searched the wide expanse of the Languedoc, avoiding the ubiquitous co-ops, to track down small, quality-minded producers in each of the major appellations. These are mostly family domaines where the younger generation, having worked in some of the top estates around the world, have returned with new ideas and ambitious plans to make the best wines they can from their family’s often ancient vineyards. Quality has risen steadily, without an equivalent price rise. So even with sterling’s weakness these rich, flavoursome wines remain some of the world’s best wine values.

The wines from these six outstanding producers show real character and individuality. If you want to make your own selection, we are offering free delivery on your order. Alternatively our Sampler case comprises six different reds for each of the main appellations and gives a saving of up to £12.

Chateau Les INFERETS, Corbieres

This small, family run estate has 20 ha of vineyards near Narbonne, at the northern eastern edge of the extensive Corbieres appellation. The soils here are a mix of clay and limestone pebbles, which naturally restricts the vine’s yields. The main varieties are Syrah and Carignan with 20% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre, which adds a distinctive spice to the blend. Winemaking takes place under contract at the modern co-operative Cave de Gruissan but the final wine is then aged in barrel at the chateau itself before bottling.

FR1914R    Chateau Les Inferets 2004, Corbieres  13.5%                                               £7.75
Awarded a silver medal at Vinalies Internationales in Paris, this is very much a modern, fruit-filled Mediterranean wine. Deep purple colour with spicy plum, vanilla and raspberry aromas. Silky, ripe berry fruit flavours with an attractive freshness, good grip and long, savoury finish.  Enjoy now to 2010.

Domaine LA PRADE MARI, Minervois

Eric Mari has 26 hectares of vineyards in the rugged hills outside La Prade, in the heart of the Minervois, Their southerly aspect ensures maximum sunshine as well shelter from the prevailing winds. The clay-marl soils are ideal for Syrah, Grenache and Carignan and the terroir is such that an exceptional wine, the Cuvée Elegance, is produced in the best years. The family is meticulous in the vineyard with short cordon pruning and a green harvest to reduce yields. Vinification is traditional, in wooden vats, yet the fragrant, well balanced wines with velvety tannins are everything you would want in a modern fruit-filled wine. The wines also keep well, if you can resist their charms.

FR2185R    Domaine la Prade Mari 2005, Minervois  13.5%                                               £7.49
An impressive wine, made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. Deep, complex aromas of black cherry, liquorice, cinammon and spicy garrigue. Ripe and powerful to taste with rich blackberry, damson and black cherry flavours with notes of minerals and vanilla musk. There are ripe tannins in the background and good acidity, but it's the ripe, fleshy fruit that is to the fore. Delicious now but will keep to 2011.

FR2244R    Lla Prade Mari, Cuvee Elegance 2004, Minervois  14.5%      £10.99
This top wine from La Prade Mari is a blend of Syrah and Grenache, aged in new oak barrels. Deep ruby colour with purple hints. Powerful aromas of bramble fruits, plum, damson and vanilla. Bold, generous flavours with the rich fruits rounded by vanilla spice and ripe tannins. Finishes very long and aromatic. Drink now to 2012

Domaine de l’AUSTER, Faugeres

Owned by the Bouchard family, Domaine de l’Auster is situated north-west of Pézenas, high up in the rugged foothills of the Cevennes mountains. Their vineyards are at an altitude of 300m and are planted mainly to Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre plus a little Carignan. Here the poor, free-draining schistous soils coupled with the relatively high elevation produce wines that have power and concentration whilst retaining freshness and vitality. The grapes are harvested by hand and vinification is traditional with a long maceration. The resulting wine is remarkably well priced for this prestigious appellation.

FR1514R    Domaine de l'Auster 2004, Faugeres  13.5%                                                                                     £7.25
The 2003 vintage was a gold medal at the Macon wine championships and this new vintage is a worthy successor.  Deep red/purple colour and vibrant black  cherry and exotic spice aromas. Smooth, ripe and very flavour-some with black cherry, mocha and kirsch to the fore, fine tannins and excellent aromatic finish. Classic sun-filled Languedoc style with that extra refinement of the premium Faugeres appellation. Drink now to 2010

Domaine du BARROU, Pic St Loup

Pic St Loup is officially just a sub-appellation of Coteaux du Languedoc, but in fact this is one of the most favoured terroirs in the whole region. There are over fifty producers here making some world class wines - that are usually priced as such. In comparison the tiny Domaine du Barrou, situated in the commune of Valflaunes, 25km north of Montpellier, produces a red and rose that ought to cost much more. The vineyards are planted to Syrah and Grenache on steep, south-facing slopes. The grapes are then vinified at the nearby co-operative ‘Le Coteaux du Pic’ before bottling under the domaine label.

FR2196P     Domaine du Barrou, Pic St Loup Rosé 2006, Coteaux du Languedoc  13.5% £7.99
This dry rosé is a blend of Syrah and Grenache. Deep salmon pink colour with intense aromas of raspberry and redcurrant and hints of spice and musk. Fresh and flavoursome with red cherry and raspberry flavours, notes of wild herbs and a lingering tangy finish. A relatively complex, powerful rose that will work well with barbecued chicken and cooked meats. Enjoy through to the end of 2009.

FR2224R    Domaine du Barrou 2004, Pic St Loup, Coteaux du Languedoc  12.5%  £7.99
This impressive red is also a blend of Syrah and Grenache and is a deep red/purple colour with lovely perfumed aromas of ripe plums, violets, black cherry and musk. Smooth and velvety on the palate with crushed berry fruit flavours, some savoury tannins and notes of wild garrigue. The finish is long and slightly spicy with a touch of white pepper. Still rather youthful, this will keep and develop to 2011.

Domaine CARNAVAL, Limoux

In 2001 talented winemaker Stephane Vedeau joined oenologist Claude Serra to form the neogiciant firm Terre a Verre. Their main source of grapes is from Domaine Carnaval, situated near Limoux, in the hills overlooking Carcassonne. Elsewhere in the Languedoc, they use long established connections with local growers to source grapes from particularly favoured sites, such as Fitou.

FR1014R    Domaine Carnaval Carignan Vieilles Vignes 2004, Limoux, Vin de Pays d’Oc  13%               £6.25
Carignan is France's most widely planted grape variety, though because of its late ripening it is mostly found in the Languedoc. If allowed to over-crop it tends to produce blending wines. But in the hands of Claude Serra (left), ancient vines can produce a remarkably flavoursome wine. Attractive, perfumed aromas of forest fruits with a touch of menthol. Powerful, intense fruit flavours in the mouth with notes of herbs, fig and vanilla oak. Pure and vibrant, very juicy and a long finish with ripe tannins hidden by rich fruit. Drink to end of 2009

FR2255W    Elio L'Oubliee Botrytis Chardonnay 2005  14%  50cl             £9.99
This sweet, botrytised Chardonnay comes from Domaine Carnaval and is made from a very small crop of late harvested grapes. It is so unusual in fact that it does not fit in the appellation system and has to be classed as a Vin de Table. A rich, golden colour, there are aromas of ripe peach, apricot and caramel with notes of botrytis or noble rot. Very rich and sweet with balancing acidity that keeps it from being heavy or cloying. Spicy apricot and tangy orange peel comes through on the finish. Enjoy to 2011

Domaine TERRE a VERRE, Fitou

FR0704R    Terre a Verre 'Le Haut' 2004, Fitou  13%          £6.99
The appellation of Fitou is actually two separate regions, Fitou Maritime on the Mediterranean coast and Fitou Montagneux, to the west, on the edge of the Pyrenees. This wine comes from Fitou Montagneux, in the extreme south of the Languedoc region near Perpignan. The high altitude of the vineyards has a moderating effect on the hot climate, particularly the cool overnight temperatures to rest the vines. This has enabled Stephane to produce a remarkably balanced wine at a quality far beyond the typical rustic Fitou. Attractive aromas of black fruits, exotic spices, vanilla and wild herbs are echoed in the richly flavoured palate. This is smooth, almost luscious with good acidity and a persistent, lightly spicy finish. Drink now to 2010.

Domaine MARTIN MADALLE, St Chinian

Domaine Martin Madalle is situated in the commune of Causse et Veyran 30km north of Beziers in the central Languedoc. Husband and wife, Jean Claude and Danielle Madalle planted their 12 ha in 1965 with Grenache on the schistous slopes and Syrah on the clay and limestone soils. At that time the wine was a humble ‘Vins de Pays’, however through their efforts and other quality minded producers, the area became the appellation St. Chinian in 1981.  The wine is made by M. Madalle in his small Chai and is full of character and flavour.

FR1465R    Domaine Martin Madalle 2005, St Chinian  13%                                  £7.99
The Mediterranean climate here is ideal for ripening the Syrah grapes and when blended with fruit-filled Grenache, the result is a powerful, warming wine. Deep, spicy black fruit aromas. Powerful, savoury black fruit flavours with fine, ripe tannins and a lingering finish. Impressive, full-bodied wine with complex notes of herbs and garrigue. Drink now to 2011
 

copyright © 2010 Hawkshead Wines Terms and Conditions
Hawkshead Wines is a business name of New Fine Wines Company Number 4508603. Registered Office: 114 Birchfield Road, Northampton, NN1 4RH.