Languedoc-Roussillon:
As a famous wine-producing region in southern France, it was once synonymous with affordable wine. Driven by the efforts of local wine associations and technological advancements, the quality of its wines has also continued to improve.
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| Image credit: https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/languedoc-roussillon-wine-region/ |
The producing area has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and not too cold winters, which is very suitable for grape growing. Moreover, the area is vast, the flat land and the hillside are intertwined, and many different varieties of grapes are suitable for the comfortable growth of the fields at different altitudes. In addition, the soil is extremely diverse, such as sandstone, limestone, clay, pebbles, etc., so that even the wines belonging to the same Languedoc-Roussillon have many differences in the presentation of styles.
The vast area, the variety of grape varieties, and the different geology and soil make Languedoc-Roussillon occupy nearly 30% of the huge production in France, including red and white Rose sparkling wine dessert wine.
Today we bring you 6 Languedoc-Roussillon red wines. Although the grapes used are similar, the styles are different. It is interesting to compare and drink.
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Image credit: https://wine-pages.com/columnist-articles/a-new-cru-minervois-la-liviniere/ |
Minervois region:
It is an important production area of Languedoc in southern France. The landform is trapezoidal, the soil is mainly shale and red marble, and the high altitude area is alpine calcareous soil.
Mediterranean climate, the highest altitude of 300 meters above the Cass Plateau is relatively cold in winter.
The main red grape varieties are Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache Noir, Carignan, etc., producing red wines known for their soft and approachable taste and smooth and balanced taste.
Minervois La Liviniere:
The production area is located in the Minervois, and the status belongs to the more noble Cru than the latter, and it is one of only 6 Crus for Languedoc-Roussillon. Roughly speaking, it can be regarded as the better terroir of the Minervois.
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Domaine De Blayac Minervois 2020 13.5% Vol Vivino: 3.9 $108 Introduction: The winery is located in the east of Minervois, not in the famous area Minervois La Liviniere.
Grape Varieties: Grenache Noir, Carignan, Syrah/Shiraz
Tasting Note: The scent is full of cherries, blackberries and other fruity aromas, with a hint of wood and spice, which is quite attractive. The entry has tame tannins, rich fruit, supple body, a little bit of dark cocoa, overall relaxed and finished with cask vanilla and spice. Easy to drink and balanced, the drink of choice.
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About Chateau Sainte-Eulalie:
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It is located on the terraced fields of La Liviniere producing area, with a slope of 5°-10° and an altitude of about 250 meters. It faces south and is blocked by the mountains due to the north wind. The soil is rich in clay, chalk and manganese, and the top is covered with pebbles, which is very favorable for viticulture.
The winery uses Biodynamic Farming to manage about 40 hectares of vineyards, mainly planting Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah.
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Chateau Sainte-Eulalie Minervois Plaisir d'Eulalie 2020
14.5% vol Vivino: 3.8 $138
Grape Varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre
Tasting Notes: Black cloth, blackberry and other stone fruits are added with a little spice like licorice, the taste is a little more layered than the previous one, and it is thicker, still supple, and the structure is complete and elegant.
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Chateau Sainte-Eulalie La Cantilene Minervois La Liviniere 2018
15.5% vol Vivino: 4.0 $198
Grape Varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Carignan
Tasting Notes:
If the drink is quite thick, it is recommended to shake the air first to spread the smell.
Fresh black fruits such as cherries, bounty, ebony, as well as a lot of vanilla, licorice, vanilla, black chocolate, etc., the taste is ripe, firm and quite silky, the tannins are just right, balanced and rich, and the whole gives a noble and elegant look a feeling of.
This one feels quite old-fashioned, very mature, and in stark contrast to the previous two.
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There are three more Languedoc-Roussillon wines to come, but first we have to head northeast from Minervois ...