Languedoc is France’s most underrated wine region and the source of numerous wine bargains, such as our wine of the week. It’s one of the world’s oldest wine growing regions; the Romans made wine here over 2,000 years ago, and the Greeks before them. The problem is that, for most of its history, Languedoc has produced oceans of plonk (low quality wine). But, over the past fifty years, Languedoc has changed more – for the better – than any other French wine region.
- Languedoc is located along France’s Mediterranean coast, south and west of the Southern Rhône. Eighty percent of its production is red and rosé, primarily from blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the same grapes that dominate in the Southern Rhône.
- Languedoc’s low land prices, relaxed winemaking regulations, and unique terroir have attracted a new generation of innovative winemakers that are focusing on high-quality wines. Some are experimenting with varieties not typically found in southern France, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
Pic St. Loup is one of the most distinctive and highly regarded of the Languedoc “Cru.” It’s located about one-half hour north or Montpelier and is the most northern and one of the coolest of the Languedoc appellations. Pic St. Loup produces only red and rosé wines.
- Most Pic St Loup wines are made by small domains which focus on quality over quantity.
- The jagged hill in the picture above is named Pic St Loup. Legend has it that it was named after one of three brothers who fell in love with the same woman. The brothers left for the Crusades, not knowing which of them she would choose for a husband, but she died while they were away. In despair, the brothers decided to live on the summits of three neighboring peaks. One of the brothers was named Loup, and Pic St. Loup was named after him.
Our wine of the week is a 2017 Château La Roque Pic St. Loup Rouge (about $20 retail). This is a surprisingly enjoyable wine; when paired with a beef stew both the wine and the food benefited noticeably. The Pic St. Loup Rouge is biodynamic, made from a blend of 65 percent Grenache, 25 percent Syrah and 10 percent Mourvèdre, and bottled unfiltered. It has aromas of red fruits, garrigue (herbs, such as Rosemary and Thyme, grown along the Mediterranean coast) and some earthy notes. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, with soft tannins, light red fruits, spice and a hint of cocoa. The wine contains 14.5 percent alcohol, but is nicely balanced and has a very pleasant medium length finish.
- Château La Roque’s winemaking history dates to 1259, when the de la Roque family planted vines on the property; the ruins of a feudal château remain on the property. Their website contains a really nice history of the property and photos.
- You can drink this wine young or cellar it for five years or so. It pairs nicely with spiced pork, rack of lamb and beef.
Cheers!