As we reach the month of September, (for many people their favourite month to visit Languedoc), thoughts naturally turn to vineyards and wine harvests, and a visit to some of the many Caveaux found in and around Pézenas. See below some recommendations from Rosemary George MW, The Master of Wine, extracted from the excellent website WoW-Whats on Where Herault.
http://heraultwhatson.info/
Tasting Notes on some local wines from vineyards around Pézenas
Smart new tasting caveaux seem to be popping up all around Pézenas.
Another is at Domaine de Monplézy, where Anne Sutra de Germa runs the
family estate, that came from her grandfather. The estate is well
sign posted on the road between Pézenas and Roujan, with the distinctive
hoopoe, which Anne has on her labels. She has 20 hectares of vines,
five in the Côtes de Thongue and the rest in the recently created cru of
Pézenas, that is part of the Coteaux du Languedoc.
I have always particularly enjoyed Anne’s red Plaisirs, and this
2009 is no exception. It is a blend of Carignan, Grenache, Cinsaut and
Syrah. Medium colour, with ripe spice and fresh fruit on the nose.
Some black fruit on the palate, balanced with a tannic streak with an
edge of acidity. Fresh and youthful, with some lovely fruit. Lit
really loves up to his name, sheer pleasure in the glass.
Domaine de Monplézy,
Chemin mère des fontaines
Pézenas 34120
Tel : 04 67 98 27 81
SEIGNEURIE DE PEYRAT, Tradition blanc. 6.80€
This historic property belongs to the Viennet family, and Cécile
Viennet has just taken over responsibility for the winemaking, with 2010
her first vintage. The range of wines has been revamped, with
introducing three qualities for both white and red, Classique, Tradition
and Prestige. In addition they make what they called the Baraguette
range, of cheaper, more accessible wines.
I was really taken by the marked improvement in the white wines and I
think the Tradition is my favourite, but I would be very happy to drink
either of the others! Tradition is a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier,
a small part of which has spent time in wood. The nose is lightly
buttery and rounded, and on the palate there is a touch of wood to give
more weight and mouth feel, but it is not obviously oaky. There is also
hint of peachiness from the Viognier, with a fresh finish. They now
have a small sales and tasting area at the entrance to the property.
Seigneurie de Peyrat,
Route de Roujan,
Pézenas 34120
Tel 04 67 24 95 72
2010 La Muse, Coteaux du Languedoc Blanc – 6.00€
The Neffiès co-op has had a hard time since the dreadful hail storm
the week before the harvest in 2008 and has subsequently joined up with
the Alignan co-op, to become Les Vignerons d’Alignan du Vent – Neffiès.
However the tasting caveau is still open in Neffiès, as well as one
in Alignan. They make a very sound range of wines, probably some of
the best from the cooperatives around Pézenas.
La Muse is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette that
have been fermented in barrel and aged in wood for a while. There is
quite a bit of oak on the nose, but it is very nicely integrated and
balanced so that you have some white blossom fruit as well. The palate
is nicely rounded, with some rounded fruit, making an appealing
mouthful.
Les Vignerons d’Alignan du Vent- Neffiès
27 rue de la Guissaume, 34290 Alignan du Vent – 04 67 24 91 31
28 avenue de la Gare, 34320 Neffiès – 04 67 24 61 98
Villa Tempora 2009 Un Temps pour Elle. 11.80€
I love it when I discover a new estate. Villa Tempora’s first
vintage was only in 2008 and their white 2009 is absolutely delicious.
With a play on words, it is called Un Temps pour Elle and is made from
Bourboulenc, with just a touch of Marsanne. The appellation is simple
Languedoc. This is a serious white, aged in barrels, all old, with lees
stirring for 14 months. The wine is still young, so there is a touch
of oak, but with some lovely texture and a satisfying mouth feel, with
hints of fennel and herbs, and also a firm streak of minerality.
Expensive yes, but worth every centime, and very rewarding.
Villa Tempora,
6 chemin de la Faissine
34120 Pézenas
To read the full article, go to http://heraultwhatson.info/rosemary-and-wine
And finally, if you are planning a trip to Languedoc that will include some wine tasting(!), here's an excellent listing from Creme de Languedoc of the top wine-tasting caveaux to visit in the Languedoc region, the world's largest vineyard!
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