Six Grands Terroirs, Six Languedoc wines

The Languedoc winegrowing region is one of the world’s largest, and thus has multiple facets. It is one of the few to combine such geological, geographical and climatic diversity: Limestone rock, shales, granites, and basalts can all be found there along coastal landscapes, plains and mountains, where the Mediterranean winds mingle with those of the Massif Central. A proliferation of varietals thrives here. The vocation of this range of six appellation wines is to reveal the remarkable terroirs of southern France, by giving pride of place to older vines and high-altitude plots:

Picpoul de Pinet

The singularity of this terroir resides in its traditional local varietal with its unique characteristics, Piquepoul Blanc. Plot selection is oriented around the main terroirs: Clay-limestone soils from the cretaceous era for finesse and minerality (80% of the blend) and sedimentary soils for aromatic freshness (20% of the blend). Enologist’s notes: This wine, with a pale yellow color and glints of green, has a delicious bouquet with notes of citrus and hawthorn. It is crisp and moreish in the mouth, with nice lemony flavors and an invigorating finish.

St Chinian

The singularity of this terroir is the incredible aromatic and mineral expression of the Syrah grown on shales (60% of the blend). Grenache and Mourvèdre from Mesozoic limestone soils bring structure and bite to the fruit (20% of the blend for each varietal). Enologist’s notes: This deep red wine is fine and complex on the nose, with notes of laurel, tapenade and black pepper. It is rich and smooth in the mouth, revealing pure flavors of fresh red berries and sweet spices, with a velvety finish.

Minervois

The singularity of this terroir is the rich and complex expression of Syrah grown on lacustrine limestone from the Mesozoic, while Syrah from hard, stony limestone from the same era brings aromatic depth and polish to the tannins (80% of the blend). Grenache from Mesozoic limestone adds zing to the fruit (20% of the blend). Enologist’s notes: This dark red wine has an intense, complex bouquet with notes of blackcurrant, licorice and peppery cacao. In the mouth, it is rich and intense, opening onto full flavors of dark berries and fresh spices, with a long, smooth finish. The other three wines in the range, Pic St Loup, Minervois La Livinière and St Chinian Berlou will go on sale in 2018.