Southern France
Gérard Bertrand and his passion for the Languedoc & Roussillon
I must operate a LIFO approach to writing up People and Places, as this first post is about one of the producers I’ve most recently …
175. Sieur d’Arques, Grande Cuvée Renaissance Cremant de Limoux Brut, NV
Another high-quality co-operative in Languedoc, who dominate production of good Cremant and Blanquette de Limoux. Did the cave visite in a bit of a …
174. Mont Tauch, Hommage Fitou, 1999
Full-flavour and pretty concentrated wine that made easy drinking – if a little short (only medium length overall). Deep black-garnet colour, with some bricking …
173. Château Hauterive le Haut, Faïti Corbières, 2001
The premium cuvée of Hauterive le Haut in Corbières and another great piece of value-for-money winemaking. This has an extra layer of complexity, coupled …
165. Château Villemagne, Corbieres, 1994
In spite of its 10 year age, still had a strong enough fruit core and sufficient tannin to age further (and possibly improve, but …
160. Mont Tauch, Prieuré de Château de Ségure Vieilles Vignes Fitou, 2002
After comparing the Pennautier with Château Hauterive le Haut, Roger suggested this as a better VFM wine, but with the weight of the Pennautier. …
159. Château Hauterive le Haut, Corbieres, 2001
An excellent recommendation from our hosts in Languedoc, Roger & Gill Murton. A very interesting tour of the chai followed after drinking this. Garnet …
158. Château de Pennautier, l’Esprit de Pennautier Cabardès, 2000
A first taste of the Languedoc. Probably drunk too young, so disappointing value for money, compared with the range of good value drinking in …
50. Mont Tauch, Fitou l’Excéption, 2000
A random purchase in Paris, to try some new areas of France. Well worthwhile. Would definitely keep longer but was nevertheless decidedly drinkable at …
34. Vignerons de Roueïre, Chardonnay Le Grand Chêne Oak Fermented Vin de Pays d’Oc, 1997
A simple and clean oaked chardonnay. Creamy but crisp finish. An unexpected surprise, and very nice. Part of a mixed case from Bordeaux Direct …