Loving the Languedoc: great value wines with heritage

The Languedoc-Roussillon is a hidden gem often overlooked yet at Bancroft we have been championing the region’s wines for many years, with fabulous producers who offer an unparalleled wealth of riches for the eagle-eyed, price-conscious consumer. A revolution in winemaking in the region coupled with cheap land means that quality, consistency and variety has never been better. Unperturbed by harvest time hail and liberated by the introduction of the Vins de Pays AOC, producers can take advantage of the vast swathes of scrubland at their disposal and play. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Muscat and Malbec, Viognier and Grenache rub shoulders, side by side often in the same vineyard. Unusual blends offer top quality at basement prices and unexpected varietals off er a new take on old favourites.

Don't miss out on what the Languedoc can offer: variety, value for money and heritage. We have selected  some of our favourite wines from the region with wines that offer great variety, good value and heritage.

“There is one French wine region…whose wines are dramatically underpriced, and which produces a vast array of diff erent wine styles.” Jancis Robinson MW

We have a limited off-trade offer on these wines this month. Email cscottgall@bancroftwines.com or orders@bancroftwines.com to receive the prices.

Loup y es-tu Blanc 2013, Domaine de l’Hortus
Looking at the 50 hectares of scrubland the Loup y es tu hails from, you’d never guess that this offering from Jean Orliac in Pic-Saint-Loup would be so bright and expressive. But this juicy blend of Muscat, Chardonnay and Viognier thrives in such an unforgiving landscape, with vigorous work in the vineyard resulting in a wine with lashings of ripe stone fruit, weight and complexity evened out by its crisp and bright acidity. Pair with lemon sole.

Le Loup dans la Bergerie Rouge 2013, Domaine de l’Hortus
Sister wine to the Loup y es-tu Blanc, the punchy Loup dans La Bergerie Rouge is a downright bargain. The blend doesn’t stray too far from the local varietals (Grenache, Syrah, Carignan) but a speedy maceration and stainless steel ageing means that this wolf doesn’t bite: tannins are silky smooth and give way to plush, ripe, red fruit.

Grenache Vins de Pays d’Oc 2013, Domaine de Mus
Domaine de Mus is tucked away just a few miles north of Béziers, with soils ranging from alluvial gravel terraces to the local galets rouges – which just happens to suit Grenache perfectly. Here, grapes are kept on the vine a few days longer than usual to encourage big fruit fl avours and fermentation in a long, drawn out
affair lasting almost 5 weeks. What results is a rich, round wine with generous red and black fruit, subtle coffee notes and the definitive aroma of Languedoc garrigues.

Malbec Vins de Pays d’Oc 2013, Domaine de Mus
Take a punt on another star buy from Domaine de Mus. Proprietor Bernard Julien has found a loving new home for Malbec in the Languedoc. Typically found further west in Cahors, here we find that it keeps that same lush damson and plum fruit (along with a touch of mocha), but those dense, heavy tannins become much softer and approachable. As is so often the case with Malbec, match with a big chunk of roasted red meat to truly get the best out of it.

Oppidum Sauvignon 2013, Domaine de la Negly
Usher in Spring with this stainless steel, cool fermented Sauvignon Blanc: light-bodied with zesty grapefruit, lime and white fruit, this lovely Languedoc white is as crisp and dry as a March morning. If you can keep it a month longer, the Oppidum Sauvignon Blanc would pair beautifully with in season British asparagus and tangy goat’s cheese.

 
Produced with passion: a Provence Rosé that is sure to please this season:

Oratoire Saint Andrieu Rosé 2013, AOC Coteaux Varois, Domaine Saint-Andrieu
We love this rosé so much that we just had to recommend it! If you could trust anyone to perfect the premier Provençal pickme- up, it would be the star team behind Château Talbot. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah work in harmony in this archetypal blend. Replete with fleshy white peach, vibrant grapefruit and a subtle whiff of white spice, the delectable St Andrieu Oratoire Rosé belies its premium heritage. Best enjoyed in the foothills of the Alps while overlooking the domaine’s immaculately kept 26 hectares.


We have an off-trade promotion on these wines for the month of March. For offer prices please contact me at cscottgall@bancroftwines.com or contact your account manager directly.

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