Wines from Terroir Languedoc

www.terroirlanguedoc.co.uk


f you were to draw a line through the map of France just aboveAvignon, you would have marked the frontier that hastraditionally separated vin fin from vin ordinaire. North of this

frontier, from the Côtes du Rhône onwards, was where one couldfind wines to save for your daughter’s wedding or bequeath to yourchildren; in other words, serious wines. And south of the frontier?A sea of pink and an ocean of red, but nothing of any great interest.

That changed, and changed dramatically, some years ago. Butperception often takes a long time to catch up with reality, and it isonly recently that the wines of the Languedoc have been getting theattention and the following they deserve. No longer are they treatedas the poor relations of the vineyard. In fact, as any sommelierworth his corkscrew can tell you, they now appear on some of themost distinguished and enlightened restaurant wine lists in Britain.

My introduction to the Languedoc - or perhaps I should call it arevelation - came in the form of a bottle of Mas des Chimères. Itwas smooth and supple. It tasted expensive. In fact, the price wasremarkably, irresistibly reasonable. More bottles followed. Andthen, becoming adventurous, I tried the wines of Pic Saint Loup,of Corbières, of Fitou and Faugères. All were good, some wereexceptional, and each of them represented wonderful value formoney. I stopped searching for undiscovered treasures fromBordeaux and began to drink closer to home.

Looking through the wines in this handpicked list, I see that thereare several that I haven’t yet tasted. This is the perfect excuse forwhat I like to call research, and never has research tasted so good. Vive le Languedoc.

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Peter Mayle.

Foreword

Tel: 01756 700512. www.terroirlanguedoc.co.uk 03


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Wines by grower

15 Château Grande Cassagne17 Domaine Coustellier19 Domaine Peyre Rose21 Domaine de L’Hortus23 Château de Lascaux25 Domaine les Aurelles26 Prieuré de Saint-Jean de Bébian29 Domaine de la Grange des Pères30 Mas de Daumas Gassac33 Domaine D’Aupilhac35 Jasse Castel37 Domaine Alain Chabanon39 Mas de L’Ecriture41 Mas Jullien43 Mas Cal Demoura45 Mas des Chimères47 Château Pech Redon49 Domaine de Clovallon53 Château des Estanilles55 Domaine de Fourn

57 Domaine Begude59 Domaine Faillenc Sainte-Marie61 Domaine Bertrand Bergé63 Domaine Rimbert65 Domaine Canet-Valette67 Mas Champart69 Clos Bagatelle71 Domaine de la Madura73 Clos Centeilles75 Domaine Borie de Maurel77 Château d’Oupia81 Clot de L’Oum83 Domaine des Soulanes85 Domaine Gauby87 Domaine Soula89 Casot des Mailloles91 Domaine de la Rectorie95 Domaine de Trévallon97 Château Simone99 Champagne Pierson Whitaker

Terroirs

14 Costières de Nîmes AOC16 Picpoul de Pinet AOC18 Grès de Montpellier20 Pic Saint-Loup24 Terrasses du Larzac44 La Clape46 Haut Languedoc50 Faugères AOC52 Limoux AOC56 Corbières AOC58 Fitou AOC60 Saint-Chinian AOC72 Minervois AOC80 Roussillon94 Provence98 Champagne AOC



A different kind of wine company

o what’s so different about us? First of all, wespecialise in one region, Languedoc Roussillon, oneof the most innovative in the world and referred to,

for simplicity as “the Languedoc”. We concentrate on thisregion because it gives us an in-depth appreciation of the‘terroir’ and the unique combination of producer and placethat creates each vintage. It also keeps us on the pulse ofwhat’s happening, even in its furthest corners, so we canfind and support the best talent - be it an exciting newproducer or a groundbreaking wine - and bring it to ourcustomers.

Secondly, we work only with the region’s best, oftenpioneering, growers who combine low yields with passionand enthusiasm for producing special wines. We welcometheir willingness to break the rules, their obsession withquality, their insistence on putting creativity beforecommerce and the diversity of their output. We recognisethat, at the heart of it, is an elemental connection with theland, hard work in the vineyard and minimal intervention inthe winemaking process.

Finally, we build relationships with growers based onrespect, trust and mutual benefit over the long term. Buyingdirect, we develop an understanding of the unique methodsand philosophy used by each vineyard, gaining insights thatwe can then pass on to our customers. Importantly, wealso pay fair prices - no middlemen, no marketingdemands, no pressure - that do real justice to the wines webuy.

These principles are at the heart of our business. They’refounded on our desire to support excellent growers anddeliver wines of character, quality and value to ourcustomers. Here you’ll find a full listing of all our wines -vintages, grapes and prices – and some insight into thepeople, philosophies and practices behind them. We hopeyou enjoy this taste of the Languedoc.

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CÔTEAUX DU LANGUEDOC

Terrasses du Larzac

Pic-Saint-Loup

Grès de Montpellier

La Clape

Bédarieux

COSTIÈRES DE NIMES

CLAIRETTE/COTEAUX DU LANGUEDOC

PICPOUL DE PINET

FAUGÈRES

SAINT CHINAN

MINERVOIS

CABARDÈS

MALEPÈRE

LIMOUX

CORBIÈRES

FITOU

ROUSSILLON

Key to terroirs and growers

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Pic-Saint-Loup

Terrasses du Larzac

The Languedoc region

The innovative and original approach of the Languedoc’s growers has created a complex landscape of vineyardsand appellations. The French wine authorities have identified areas within the region producing good wines of asimilar style or with a distinctive terroir. These are areas of Appellation D’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and includeCôteaux du Languedoc, Minervois, Corbières, Fitou, Saint- Chinian, Faugères, Limoux, Côtes du Roussillon andCôtes du Roussillon Villages. The system is constantly under review with continued attempts to give the regionmore focus and gradually introduce a system of hierarchy. In our selection, we’ve targeted those growers who, likeus, prize quality above all else so that each of our wines is truly exceptional. Real discoveries.

The colour of each winecan be identified byusing the following key:

White wineRed wineRosé wine

The Languedoc is one of the world’s oldest wine-growing regions dating back thousands of years. Few ofthese grape varieties survive. Today, their moderncounterparts prevail. It’s the sheer ingenuity and vision ofthe region’s growers in experimenting with these grapesthat results in the ground-breaking, distinctive anddiverse wines for which the Languedoc has becomeknown. Creative blends and processes, some using, forexample, 100% Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon or PinotNoir, defy traditional AOC stipulations to create stunningand original wines that go beyond classification.

In this creative climate, the AOC rules on grapevarieties, originally set up to protect growers, have beenquestioned and many growers are experimenting withgrape varieties forbidden by the appellations. They’reusing not the traditional Languedoc varieties but nobleones, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir,Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, which hadn’tpreviously been grown in quantity in the Languedoc. Asa result, their wines, however fine, can not use the AOCdesignation and must content themselves with a Vin dePays label. In some instances, these command higherprices than their AOC counterparts.

The Lan

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SyrahThe Syrah grape (called Shiraz in Australia) has always beengrown in the Languedoc but is currently experiencing arenaissance. Its complex tannins give concentration andstructure, a deep colour, finesse, and, on occasion, aroasted, smokey character. When mature it can suggestgame and mushrooms, even burnt rubber or tar.

GrenacheGrenache is the main red grape of the south although arelative newcomer, planted after the phylloxera plague. Itgives good fruit and alcohol but is low in acidity andoxidizes fast. It lacks colour and tannin, but is invaluable forblending. It is the backbone of red vins doux naturels inparticular.

MourvèdreCatalan by birth, this is the mainstay of the wines of Bandoland contributes pepper and spice flavours. It makesstructured, deeply coloured, robust wine, with good acidity.Most often found as a supporting grape, it’s not easy togrow and takes time to come to maturity, just as its wineneeds ageing.

CinsaultThis is another frownedupon grape, although with thelongest history of all in the Languedoc. It will give fruity,pleasant, soft wines if yields are kept low and the soil ispoor enough. Lighter in colours than any of the foregoing, itis much valued for making rosé wines, and for moderatingthe power of Grenache.

CarignanThis is another postphylloxera Spanish import, suited to poorsoils such as schist, and resistant to the strong winds of theSouth. Dark and generously alcoholic, it is generally vinifiedby maceration carbonique, a technique which maximises fruitflavours. It’s usually blended, although some growers make avarietal wine from it. Carignan is making a comeback.

Red grape varieties

White grape varieties

MuscatPetits Grains is one of two kinds of Muscat in the South.Found in the vins doux naturels of the Languedoc Roussillon,Muscat grows well on chalky soil, producing one of the fewwines to taste of grapes.

MauzacThe mainstay of many of the sparkling wines of Limoux,Mauzac is recognisable by its aroma of apples and pears. Withan acidity that weakens as the grape matures, it’s sometimesblended with Chenin and Chardonnay fruit.

MarsanneMarsanne is often blended with Roussanne but doesn’t havequite the same status. Its wines, though, can be good withsome acidity and an attractive bouquet. The plant is vigorous,fertile and needs sharp pruning to limit its yields.

Grenache BlancThe white cousin of Grenache Noir, this is very similar apartfrom colour and earlier cycles. The grapes can give sweet ordry wine, the latter soft and full but sometimes high in acidityand alcohol. It’s the backbone of many Southern wines.

TerretTerret is grown mainly in mid-Languedoc and makes crisp, drywine which can transcend the ordinary in the hands of goodgrowers. Quite fashionable.

ClairetteFormerly the chief white grape of the Midi, Clairette has beencut by 80% during the last fifty years. It produces alcoholicand sweet or dry wines, often with apple aromas. Its lack ofacidity necessitates early drinking.

VermentinoAlso known as Rolle, Vermentino is an aromatic white winevariety whose native habitat is now the Italian region of Liguriaand the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Corsica but it isbecoming increasingly popular in Languedoc Roussillon. It isaromatic and adds good body and acidity.

MaccabeuThis is the most widely cultivated white grape in Spain but isalso grown in Southern France where it is the sole variety inCôtes du Roussillon blanc. Maccabeu based wines aregenerally lighter, high in acidity, slightly floral and fruity.

ViognierCurrently very fashionable in the Languedoc, this variety is notyet permitted in the AOC area, but soon will be. Requiringcareful vinification, its wines are aromatic and complex, withnotes of peach, apricot and tropical fruits.

RoussanneNative to the Rhône valley, this newcomer to the Langudeochas settled well, producing fine, complex wines with flavoursof honey, flowers and apricot. It has good acidity and strengthwhich ensures they keep well.



La lutte raisonnée means ‘the reasoned struggle’. Growerswho practise this kind of viticulture claim to use chemicals lessoften (essentially only in emergencies) and less aggressivelythan conventional growers.

Conscientiuosly practised, lutte raisonée is very close toorganic farming.

La lutte raisonnée

It is no coincidence that most of our wines are produced usingorganic methods. Wine is produced in two stages – thegrowing of the grapes (viticulture) and then the making of thewine (vinification).

Conventional viticulture relies heavily on the intensive use ofchemical pesticides and artificial fertilisers. Organic viticulturehowever refrains from using chemical interventions andfocuses instead on creating healthy, living soil which cansupport healthy vines which are naturally resistant to pests anddiseases. Organic wines are therefore created in the vineyard.

Organic practices in vinification also restrict the amount ofsulphur dioxide which may be added to wine. As sulphurdioxide is known as the major contributory cause ofheadaches and hangovers, this is good news!

Organic

Some of the producers we support go a step beyond organicby using biodynamic methods. These recognise that the earthis decreasing in fertility as a result of the overuse of chemicalsand a reluctance by conventional growers to nurture the soilas the foundation of all plant growth and life. Biodynamicsseek to harness all the energy forces available to us - not justthe sun but also the moon and planets - and to work inharmony with all these energy sources to restore the earth.Herbal sprays and tisanes are also used to boost the naturalstrength and harmony of the vines.

Biodynamic

Although most of our wines are produced using organic orbiodynamic principles, many of the growers we support havelittle interest in formal certification. They follow these methodsbecause they passionately believe that they result in betterwines that do not betray their terroir and have no doubt thatthe substantial certification fees are better spent in thevineyard.

If you require information on the production methods used forspecific wines do contact us.

Certification



Languedoc

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Pic-Saint-Loup

es du Larzac

The vineyards of Costières deNîmes cover the area betweenNîmes and the Petit Rhône at apoint where the Languedoc meetsthe Rhône. It is a unique appellationtaking in, as it does, the Camargueregion with soil made up of roundpebbles. Although from anadministrative point of view it is notstrictly speaking in the Languedoc,viticulturally it resembles the regionwith red wines made fromLanguedoc varieties and whitesfrom Grenache blanc.

Costières de Nîmes AOC

Château Grande Cassagne

Benoit and Laurent Dardé took over the family domaine inthe 1980s and replaced the existing vineyards of tablegrapes with wine grapes. They started by selling part ofthe wine in bulk, but now all the wine is domaine bottled.They have now constructed a temperature controlled cellarand winery, and even a small barrel ageing cellar.

Château Grande Cassagne AOC Costières de Nîmes

2006Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc

This delicious white wine is vinified instainless steel with 20% in barriques. Itis fresh, clean, lightly floral and all tooeasy to drink!



Picp

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OC

Situated on a limestone plateau,the vineyards of Picpoul overlookthe oyster and mussel farms of theThau lagoon. The Picpoul de Pinetappellation is for white wines onlymade from the Picpoul grape andproduces lighter wines with crispacidity, citrus and floral aromaswhich are the perfectaccompaniment to seafood.

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Pic-Saint-Loup

Terrasses du LarzacPicpoul de Pinet AOCCôteaux du Languedoc

Domaine Coustellier La lutte raisonnée

The Coustelliers have been producing wines on vineyardsaround the Bassin de Thau for many generations and muchof their production, from 45 hectares of vineyards, is soldin bulk. Emmanuel Coustellier is now starting to bottle morewine at the domaine, and to experiment with more varietalsto produce clean, honest, easy drinking wines at verycompetitive prices.

Picpoul de Pinet AOC Picpoul de Pinet

2007Piquepoul

This is crisp, fresh and refreshinglyclean, a delicious wine on a hotsummer’s day to drink with oystersand an agreeable quaffing wine evenin the cold of winter, with any fish orshellfish. Perfect for a seaside picnicwith oysters or with fish and chips!

Also available in half bottles.

Chardonnay Vin de Pays d’Oc

2007Chardonnay

A deliciously fresh Chardonnay whichshows lovely clean fruit and wellbalanced crisp acidity

MerlotVin de Pays D’Oc

2007Merlot

Smooth, ripe red fruit and veryapproachable. A perfect quaffingwine.

“ a perfect marriage with the mussels and oysters of Bouzigues & Sète”



Grès d

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ellierMarlène Soria, Domaine Peyre Rose

This terroir, within the Côteaux,comprises a belt of vineyardswhich run north-east and south-west of Montpellier. The majorityhave been planted in theundulating hills where the garriguehas been dug up to allow for theplantation of vines. Thetemperatures are high, rainfall lowand there’s a Mediterraneaninfluence. The wines are generallybig, warm and full-bodied withdeep colours and ripe, intense fruit.

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Pic-Saint-Loup

Terrasses du Larzac

Grès de MontpellierCôteaux du Languedoc Domaine Peyre Rose

Organic (Certified)

Despite the directions that she gave us, we couldn’t even see atrack and certainly not the one referred to in Marlène’sdirections! Domaine Peyre Rose, its name inspired by the localpink stone and flowers, made the journey more thanworthwhile. When Marlène Soria bought the land in the early80’s, there was nothing there but rocky and overgrown garrigueand a deserted hamlet with no road access. Gradually, withimagination and determination, she transformed it into one ofthe region’s top vineyards. Her policy of not selling her winesuntil three and a half years after their vintage, which started dueto lack of custom, now has restaurateurs and cavistesclamouring for her rare bottles. We’ve been lucky enough tosnaffle the last remaining cases of her older vintages. Such isher quest for perfection that she refused to release any of the1999, 2000 or 2001 vintages as she felt that the lining of thenew vats had damaged the flavour. She therefore sold all thosewines to the local cooperative, bought new vats and continuedwith the 2002 vintage.

Her wines are so massively powerful that you can almost seethe anti-oxidants! Intriguing and very different even from otherSyrah dominated domaines.

Clos des CistesAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

1992199319982002*

The more up-front of the two, this wineis finely structured with fresh scents ofthe garrigue on the nose andconcentrated dark fruits and spice onthe palate. Good acidity ensures thiswine will last well.

* 2002 vintage will be shipped in 2008.

Syrah LéoneAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

199219982002*

This cuvée has a meatier, moreleathery quality with dark and slightlysweeter fruit - even figs - on thepalate.

* 2002 vintage will be shipped in 2008.

“ Take track in between bus park and fire station and continue for four kilometres. There are no signposts whatsoever”



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Pic-Saint-Loup

Terrasses du Larzac

Pic Saint-LoupCôteaux du Languedoc

The most fashionable of theCôteaux sub-regions, Pic Saint-Loup, beneath the dramatic cliffs ofthe Pic, has breathtaking scenery.With five degrees difference intemperature between Pic Saint-Loup and Grès de Montpellier, itscooler nights and their breezesgive the wines elegance andprotect the grapes against rot anddisease. Falling within the Côteauxdu Languedoc, Pic Saint-Loup hasalso applied for its own AOCdesignation.

Domaine de L’Hortus Organic

Domaine de L’Hortus is one of the pioneers of the newgeneration of Languedoc wine making. In 1980, JeanOrliac and his wife Marie-Thérèse bought 50 hectares ofabandoned scrubland in the valley between the Pic andMontagne d’Hortus. After clearing it, they set aboutplanting vines, each grape variety carefully selected tocomplement its terroir – Syrah on the cooler slopes of PicSaint Loup, Grenache below and Mourvèdre on thewarmer Montagne d’Hortus. They produce two cuvées ofeach colour. Their whites must be sold as Vin de Pays duVal de Montferrand because of the choice of grapevarieties but are every bit as good as the reds. We havechosen the Grandes Cuvées in each case. The style of thereds is restrained and concentrated and the whites areexotic and lush.

Grande Cuvée RougeAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2006Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache

Perhaps one of the finest reds of theappellation, this wine is rich andsucculent showing herbs of thegarrigue, ripe silky fruit and intelligentuse of oak.

Grande Cuvée BlancVin de Pays du Val de Montferrand

2007Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon

A synthesis of the best of Rhône andthe best of Burgundy, this wine hasexceptionally rich, elegant andcomplex fruit with a long finish.

Grande Cuvée Rouge MagnumsAOC Coteaux du Languedoc


Magnums of this refined and elegant wine make lovely gifts and are perfectwhen dining in larger groups.

It’s very much a family affair witheveryone working together toproduce the “haut de gamme” wineswhich are a must on every toprestaurant list.


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Château de Lascaux Organic (Certified from 2009 vintage)

Jean Benoît Cavalier took over the family ownedChâteau de Lascaux in the sleepy village of Vacquièresin 1984 and started replanting with Syrah andGrenache. Named Lascaux after the stones in thevineyards, his terroir is composed of pebbly soil‘cailloutis’. He, like the other vignerons, revels in thelocation of his vineyards with a genuine passion forand special bond with his environment. He stillproduces his wine in the Château’s 12th and 13thcentury caves althought the domaine has been in astate of evolution over the past few years and now hasmodern, state of the art wine making equipment.

Les Nobles PierresAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2000Syrah, Grenache

Aromatic nose of dark, ripe fruit,liquorice, and garrigue herbs. Plentyof spicy, round and succulent Syrahfruit together with spice and mentholnotes on the palate. Smooth tanninswith a long and round finish.

Les SecretsAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2000Syrah, Grenache

This wine is a blend of Syrah andGrenache grapes from old vines withvery small yields. In contrast to LesNobles Pierres, the two cépages areblended before vinification and agedin oak barrels together. Attractive redberry fruit and spice with a note ofmint and toasted oak. Spicy Syrahpalate with ripe fruit and a long finish.



Terrasses du

Larzac


Until it gains official sub-regionalstatus, Terrasses du Larzac is usedto describe the most northernvineyards of the Languedoc, at thefoot of the Larzac plateau. The landhere is higher, the climate coolerand wetter. Located on stonylimestone and marl soils, the winesare firmly structured with aromas ofthe garrigue. It is home to some ofthe most unconventional and free-spirited growers of the Côteaux duLanguedoc.

Domaine les Aurelles Organic / Biodynamic

This is a class act headed by Basile St Germain who was amid life convert to wine production and started his vinouslife working in Bordeaux and Château Latour. He decided tocome to the Languedoc and produce a fine wine of his own,wines of finesse. He carefully selected his 12.5 hectares onterroir similar to that of the graves in Bordeaux. It is arefreshing change to see a top quality producer refrainingfrom using wood with the vinification of reds and indeed it isonly Basile’s white which is vinified in barriques. Very mucha rising star, Basile’s philosophy is to strive for perfectionworking closely with nature using organic methods. Hiswines are the epitome of elegance and purity.

“ The presence of basalt in the soil infuses into the vines a very particular vitality and energy that one discovers in the wine.”

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Pic-Saint-Loup

Terrasses du Larzac

Terrasses du LarzacCôteaux du Languedoc

SolenAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

20042006Carignan, Grenache

Silky, supple, round and elegant withripe peppery juicy raspberry fruit andattractive with good weight and length.

AurelAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

20022004Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah

The style of wine is bigger, fatter andjuicier, with elegant fruit, and evenmore pepper and spice. The oldervintages are now rare, and show theenormous potential of this domaine.

DéellaAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

Non-vintageMourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah

A well structured yet veryapproachable wine showing soft fruit,freshness and balance with a hint ofspice.

Aurel BlancAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2005Roussanne

The malo-lactic fermentation wasblocked for this wine, to keep thegrape acidity, and the wine is vinifiedin barrique, with bâtonnage.Honeyed, buttery, and very scentedand floral with good minerality andcitrus notes.


Prieuré de St-Jean deBébian AOC Côteaux du Languedoc

20012005Syrah, Grenache

A very complex and seductive winewith its silky dark fruit, hints of blackpepper, mint and thyme. Full nose,crushed red fruits, with a touch ofcooked fruits and a hint of violet.Aromatic and well-balanced palette.Tenor of the Year, Guide Hubert2002.

Older vintages of these wines areavailable on request.

2005 also available in magnums.

Prieuré de St-Jean deBébian AOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2005Roussanne with Clairette, Grenache Blanc,

Picpoul

Rich and complex wine with goodconcentration but fine and suave withfresh and balancing acidity. Notes ofwell integrated vanilla on the nosewith hints of lemon, apricot, mint andaniseed on the palate.

Prieuré de Saint-Jean de BébianLa lutte raisonnée

“I think it is the vineyard of tomorrow. I’m a great believer inits grand terroir” so speaks someone who should know.Chantal Lecouty and Jean-Claude Le Brun were editors ofLa Revue du Vin de France before buying Prieuré de Saint-Jean de Bébian in the early 1990’s. Their wines, along withthose of Mas de Daumas Gassac, gained internationalacclaim before many others in the region, their differencebeing that they grow traditional Languedoc grapes. AlainRoux, the previous owner of the estate, had the vision tobuy in Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre vines to plantalongside Cinsault and Carignan. Chantal and Jean-Claudecontinue the legacy, perhaps even adding elegance andfinesse. Deliberately steering well clear of over-extraction,low yields and attention to detail when sorting the fruit haveresulted in a civilised and drinkable range of wines. Thisdomaine is one of the top handful in the Languedoc. La Chapelle de Bébian

RougeAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2005Syrah, Grenache with Cinsault

Made from a traditional blend ofLanguedoc red grapes this cuvee isaged in barriques which were usedthe previous year for the Prieuré (thefirst wine). “ A wine that combinesyoung fruitfulness and richconstitution” this wine is drinkingsuperbly now and will continue to doso for years to come. With red andblack ripe fruits and hints of spice andgarrigue herbs this sumptuous wineshows finesse and complexity and isthe perfect balance of fruit andstructure.

La Chapelle de BébianBlancAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2006Roussane and Grenache Blanc with a

blend of 15 other grape varieties

La Chapelle is the second wine fromthis famous estate but is no meanssecond in quality. Made from a diversblend of Mediterranean white grapevarieties this wine is full, rich, fruityand honeyed with good balancingacidity and hints of spice, mint andaniseed. It goes superbly well withmany dishes including a simple plateof prawns with lemon, rich seafooddishes or even oriental flavours.



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Grange des Pères RougeVin de Pays de L’Hérault

2004Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cabernet, Counoise

Laurent uses low yielding Mourvèdre,Syrah, Cabernet and Counoise in hisred. With silky tannins and rich ripeconcentrated dark fruit, spice andliquorice this velvet wine lingersoffering all that was promised andmore.

Grange des Pères BlancVin de Pays de L’Hérault

Please EnquireRoussanne, Chardonnay

There are miniscule quantities of thissuave and polished white made fromRoussanne and Chardonnay. For us itis perhaps the best and most soughtafter white in the region.

Domaine de la Grange des PèresOrganic

The engaging and modest Laurent Vaillé isundoubtedly one of the star producers of theLanguedoc region, having planted vines on the stonysouth facing slopes of the vale of Gassac, nearAniane, next to Mas de Daumas Gassac, an area nowmuch sought after and regarded as one of the finestterroirs in the Languedoc. Laurent’s first vintage was1982 and the stunning quality of his wines, producedfrom very low yields from young vines, amazed anddelighted all who tasted it. Since then his wines havebeen elevated to almost cult status. A man of fewwords, Laurent trained with, among others GérardChave, Eloi Durrbach and François Coche-Dury andhis superlative wine craftsmanship is beyond doubt.

He is a philosophical man of nature and, rather thanbelieving that climate change is responsible for thevarying weather patterns permanently, he believes thatnature will constantly correct and balance itself.

For any football fans, when Laurent Blanc was allowedby Sir Alex Ferguson to play in a testimonial match inFrance whilst with Manchester United, his gratitudewas shown with a case of Grange des Pères for SirAlex. Enough said.


“ A wild animal of the Languedoc garrigue”

Mas de Daumas GassacRougeVin de Pays D’Oc

200420052006Cabernet Sauvignon, other grape

varieties

This very complex wine will keep anddevelop for many years. Made fromclassic Bordeaux varieties, itundergoes Médoc style vinificationwith a long fermentation and 12-16months in old oak barrels. The resultis a fantastic bouquet of crushedblackberries and mulberries withsmoke and leather culminating in along, silky finish. Perfect with venisonor wild boar and game.

Also available in half bottles andmagnums.

Mas de Daumas GassacBlancVin de Pays D’Oc

20062007Chardonnay, Viognier, Petit Marseng

and 15 rare grape varieties

We recommend you drink this wineyoung to capture its delightful floralaromas, pure apricot fruit and creamyfinish.

Also available in half bottles andmagnums.

Mas de Daumas GassacOrganic

This is how Aimé Guibert describes his wine. He hasdeliberately left natural scrubland in his domaine so that allthe flavours of the Midi can be incorporated into it,believing that its wild herbs and flowers add complexity andindividuality. One of the first growers to start the‘Languedoc Revolution’, Aimé Guibert’s Mas de DaumasGassac is now the best-known of the region. Aimé, once alawyer, moved to the country in the 70’s, taking the adviceof a geologist friend on which cépages to plant in hisunique terroir. The rest is history. His wines, the ‘GrandCru wines of the Languedoc’ fetching some of the region’shighest prices, cannot be labelled as anything other than‘Vin de Pays’ because of the grape varieties used.

Rosé FrizantVin de Pays D’Oc

Please EnquireCabernet Sauvignon

This is the perfect summer drink for atouch of decadence, as an aperitif, ata picnic, with strawberries or just forgeneral drinking! A wonderfulalternative to rosé Champagne forspecial occasions (it went down verywell at our wedding!). Fresh andvivacious raspberry and strawberryfruit with lovely balance and finesse.

Figaro RougeVin de Pays de L’Hérault

2007Carignan, Grenache Noir

A perfect “House Red” this all tooeasy to drink red shows round, softand supple red fruits with a hint ofspice – essence of Languedoc in abottle.

Figaro BlancVin de Pays de L’Hérault

2007Clairette, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc

A perfect “House White” this easydrinking white shows the perfectbalance of freshness, acidity and fruitwith floral notes and exotic fruits.



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Domaine D’AupilhacOrganic (Certified)

In other words, the heart of great wine is to be foundin the terroir and vines rather than the wine makingprocess. So goes the philosophy of Sylvain Fadat ofDomaine D’Aupilhac. Having inherited a few hectaresof Carignan from his grandparents, he uses onlynatural substances against pests and disease and allhis wines are unfiltered and unfined. His finemonocépage proves that, when yields are kept to aminimum, Carignan makes delightfully sturdy and ripewine with great ageing potential. As 100% Carignan,though, it can only be sold as a Vin de Pays. Sylvainbelieves that Montpeyroux should be a cru in its ownright and that a hierarchy of the best areas shouldreplace the global Languedoc appellation. Althoughoutspoken in his views his 30 hectare domaine is oneof the Mont Peyroux front runners.

“ The true expression is the product of the vineyard, not the chai”

Carignan Vin de Pays deMont BaudileVin de Pays de Mont Baudile

20052006Carignan

This wine is made from 50 year oldvines that produce very ripe grapesand small yields - these are the onlyvines that don’t require vendanges envert. This is a powerful wine witharomas of ripe black fruits, liquoriceand smoke.

Also available in magnums.

AOC MontpeyrouxCôteaux du LanguedocAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

20002001Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan, Grenache,

Cinsault

This blend of the five permitted redgrape varieties is top class, with amaceration of up to 35 days, and withfrequent pigeage. It’s aged for up to18 months in at least one year oldbarrels.


Terrasses du

LarzacPascale Marcillaud, Jasse Castel


Jasse CastelOrganic

Pascale Marcillaud and her husband founded ChâteauJasse Castel in 1998 in Montpeyroux. With 20 years ofexperience in the world of wine, initially as a journalist,then training others in the commercial side of viniculture,and latterly as an apprentice at another well knownLanguedoc vineyard, Pascale’s passion for wine isunrivalled.

Very much at one with nature, Pascale is no stranger tovery physical work in the vineyard. Harvest is by handand the vines are treated with utmost care. Theiroutstanding wines are a direct result of this attention todetail. The wines feature on the wine lists of the toprestaurants in the Languedoc and throughout France.Indeed we discovered her superb wines at the delightfulChez Philippe restaurant in Marseillan. Pascale and herhusband were given an antique wine press as awedding present which now adorns and is put to gooduse in the chai.

La Font Du Griffe AOC Côteaux du Languedoc

Montpeyroux

2004Grenache, Syrah, Carignan

This cuvée has not had any contact atall with wood in either the winemakingor ageing process. This is donedeliberately to preserve the fruit whichshows itself as rich, ripe andconcentrated with the support of verysupple and silky tannins.

As of 2006 vintage “La Font DuGriffe” will be replaced by“Montpeyroux”

Also available in 50cl bottles

La Jasse AOC Côteaux du Languedoc

Montpeyroux

2003Syrah with Grenache

This signature cuvée shows theelements of the terroir in which it isgrown: herbs of the garrigue, flowersand soft spices and is a blend of theabove grapes all from different parcelsthe characteristics of whichcomplement each other beautifully.The palate is a delicious combinationof concentrated dark fruits, chocolate,truffles, A wonderful expression of theMontpeyroux terroir.


“ Les vignes sous le vent”


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Domaine Alain ChabanonOrganic (Certified)

Alain Chabanon is based at Lagamas and has vineyardholdings around the village of Montpeyroux. All hissuperb wines undergo long macerations, with a minimumof four to five weeks. Alain has Grenache, Merlot, Syrahand Mourvèdre vines as well as some Chenin Blanc andis certified as fully organic - using no chemicals in thevineyard or chais and pioneering the use of fenugreek toprevent disease.

Some people grumble about the winds, but not Alain.He is happy that the dry north-west Tramontane blowsclean fresh air through the vines, discouraging mildewand rot and helping produce a crop of healthy grapes.From the south and south-east, the Autan bringswelcome cooling marine winds and rainfall which helpsrefresh the vines - particularly the young ones which cansuffer in years when the heat is a touch strong. Hisdomaine was formerly known as Domaine Font Caudebut Alain has now changed it to Domaine AlainChabanon.

TrélansVin de Pays D’Oc

2004Chenin Blanc, Vermentino

Luscious golden wine with a complexnose and overtones of dried flowers,citrus and spice. Rich, roundedmouth: an intriguing blend of tangyherbs with hints of honey and apple.A sophisticated wine to enjoy as anaperitif, or with great fish dishes orOriental cuisine.

Le Petit Merle AuxAlouettesVin de Pays D’Oc

2003Merlot with Mourvèdre and Carignan

This cuvée is what has been and will becalled Le Merle aux alouettes in all othervintages. Alain feared that the 2003vintage may not be up to scratch solowered the price, he was therefore bothdelighted and sad to discover that it wasjust as excellent as all other vintageswhen the vinification had finished, hesays this will be a collectors item.

Seductive, aromatic, rich and plummy,with just enough tannin to add body andstructure, this wine holds its own withBordeaux’s best! The classic soft fruityMerlot characteristics are lifted with justa touch of spice and cloves. Asophisticated wine.

Les BoissièresAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2001Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan

Deep garnet red with aromas of redfruit, lavender and wild thyme; verysmooth with soft tannins, clean yetfruity with distinct flavours of damsonsand hints of spice.

L’Esprit de Font CaudeAOC Côteaux du Languedoc Montpeyroux

2002Syrah, Mourvèdre

Originally a cuvée from 100% Syrahbut now blended with someMourvédre, this deep red wine’s noseis redolent of wild herbs thatencapsulate the “spirit” of the domaine.Beautifully structured with wellbalanced tannins it oozes blackberries,autumn berries and spice. Mouthwatering with rich, gamey dishes suchas venison and wild boar casseroles.

“ My ambition is modest : to make superb wines. Wines that are fineand elegant. Wines that compete with the best in the world, that enhance the finest cuisine. Quite simply, wines for you to enjoy to the full”


Terrasses du

LarzacPascal Fulla, Mas de L’Ecriture


Mas de L’EcritureOrganic

After studying law and spending twenty years in thecorporate world, Pascal Fulla finally realised a long-standing dream when he became a vigneron. Pascalproduces red wines from the classic regional varieties:Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan. Hisattention to detail is incredible: each parcelle isseparately vinified and aged, each receiving theindividual attention which it needs. For example,Grenache might be in French oak, Cinsault in Russianand Carignan in French, depending on thecharacteristics and the vintage. All the work in thevineyard is done by hand. The wines ally finesse withstrength, freshness and balance and have been well-loved by some of the best and most renowned winecritics.

To reflect Pascal’s ambition to create something asbeautiful as fine words, he christened his estate “leMas de l'Ecriture” (The Writing Lodge), and drawsdaily inspiration from the poetry which adorns his cellarwalls.

L’Emotion Occitane AOC Côteaux du Languedoc

20042005Carignan, Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah

This latest cuvée is made with thesame meticulous care and attentionas the other wines using grapes fromthe same vines. The idea is that itdoes not need as much time to ageas the other cuvées and so is a winewhich can be drunk immediately. Thelabel has been designed especially byCharles Stratos, the internationallyrenowned artist and sculptor.

Red fruit and blackberries on the nosecomplemented by a touch of thegarrigue, leading to silky generousfruit and spice on the palate.

Les PenséesAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2001Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault

This is the second wine of Mas deL’Ecriture and is made from a blendof Syrah, Cinsault and Grenache Noir.Lovely peppery fruit with a hint ofliquorice, cedar and spice. Showselegant intensity and remarkablelength.

Mas de L’EcritureAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2001Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre

In our opinion this is one of the bestwines to come out of the Languedocregion. From a blend of approx 50%Syrah, 30% Grenache and 20%Mourvèdre this wine is absolutelydelicious with good fruit and weightwith silky tannins, elegance andcomplexity. A combination of strength,delicacy, charm and balance.


“ My mission is simple: to make wine for my friends and to softenthe passage of time.”


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Mas JullienOrganic / Biodynamic

Olivier is a reflective and philosophical man, particularlyon matters “paysan”, he is certainly more comfortable inhis vinyard than in his office. His wines, from low yieldsare produced using biodynamic principles.

His range of wines now usually includes one red andone white cuvée of Mas Jullien and one or more EtatsD’Ame, depending on the vintage and how Olivier’smood takes him.

“ We just want enough for our way of life, to cover the cost and to keep it natural”

Mas Jullien RougeAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

Please EnquireSyrah, Mourvèdre , Grenache, Cinsault

This very stylish predominantly Syrah-based red is the wine in which Olivierhas combined his previously separatecuvées of Despierre and Cailloutis toproduce a single cuvée. The result isa resounding success with softtannins, good concentration and along finish. It will age well over 5-10years.

Mas Jullien BlancVin de Pays de L’Hérault

Please EnquireViognier, Terret-Bourret, Grenache

Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cinsault Blanc

With an attractive, perfumed nosefrom the Viognier and, on the palate,a good balance of richness andacidity from the Grenache Blanc andClairette, this is drinking very well nowbut can be enjoyed over five years ormore. Undoubtedly one of theLanguedoc’s best whites.

Etats D’Ame AOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2002Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache

This is the second red wine of MasJullien and a more convivial wine withless ageing in wood. Made from40% Grenache, 30% Syrah and thebalance Cinsault and Carignan, thiswine is very approachable with juicyred fruit and a hint of pepper.


Terrasses du

LarzacIsabelle Goumard, Mas Cal Demoura


Mas Cal DemouraLa lutte raisonnée

Following the example and encouragement of his son,Olivier Jullien of Mas Jullien, Jean-Pierre Jullien decidedin 1993 to create his own domaine after many years ofworking with the co-operative. From his first vintage thesuperior quality of the production was recognised andMas Cal Demoura, meaning “il faut rester” [you muststay], which became Jean-Pierre’s motto when manygrowers left their vineyards for the city in the early 90s,soon became one of the Languedoc “grand cru”. Hiswines are found on many of the best restaurant lists inFrance.

In 2004 Jean-Pierre Jullien decided to prepare for hisretirement and began handing over the estate to Isabelleand Vincent Goumard who, as well as continuingproduction of the popular red cuvée “L’Infidèle” androsé have created their first vintages of a delicious andstunning white cuvée.

L’EtincelleVin de Pays de L’Hérault

2004Chenin blanc with Roussanne,

Grenache blanc, Viognier, Muscat

This fresh, aromatic and complexwhite wine is made from acombination of traditional southernFrench grape varieties: Grenacheblanc, Roussanne, Muscat along withthe famous Rhône variety Viognierand 35% Chenin blanc. With lovelyfresh fruit on the palate this elegantwhite wine goes perfectly with fillet ofrouget or any other fresh fish.

L’InfidèleAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2000Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault,

Carignan

This supple, ripe and approachablered wine is made from Syrah,Grenache and Mourvèdre with someCinsault and Carignan and has verygood ageing ability. This vintage hasis already drinking well now with rich,silky ripe liquorice cassis fruit flavours.The perfect accompaniment toIsabelle’s delicious lamb tagine.

Qu’es AquoAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2006Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault,

Carignan

Labelled the “meilleur rosé duLanguedoc” by Revue du Vin deFrance, this rosé shares the sameproduction philosophy as the red andwhite and is made from the same fivegrape varieties with Cinsault beingpredominant. With a lovely freshnose and floral notes and strawberryfruit on the palate this wine isextremely well balanced and isdelicious as an aperitif or the perfectmatch to Isabelle’s own Tartar dethon.

“ To produce high-quality wines, which express the elegance of our "terroir" and age well. That’s our philosophy.”


Terrasses du

LarzacGuilhem Dardé, Mas des Chimères


Mas des ChimèresOrganic (Certified from 2008 vintage)

Guilhem Dardé is determinedly self-effacing about hispart in the production of his wonderful wines.Describing himself as a paysan vigneron, a man of thesoil, he believes passionately in the role of the terroirand absolute minimum intervention in the process.

If you have good grapes, he says, it’s not complicated.His job, as he sees it, is to capture the character of theyear, its sun, moon, winds, rain, by following the vines,being attentive and knowing exactly the right momentto harvest, so that each wine expresses this and is thebest it possibly can be.

Mas des ChimèresAOC Côteaux du Languedoc


This is the wine for which GuilhemDardé is best known and it would behard to find a better example,certainly at this price. Lovely intenseand ripe dark fruits on the nose withsupple tannins and dense fruit on thepalate. A delightfully silky texture anda pleasure to drink.

Mas des ChimèresVin de Pays des Coteaux du Salagou

20052006Chasan, Terret, Viognier

Pungeant, powerful and spicy, thiswine gives a lovely balance betweenfreshness and rich complexity.

Ripe peach fruit on the palate withhints of almonds and mineral. One ofPeter Mayle’s favourites!

“ It’s the terroir that makes the wine. I just accompany it”


La Clap

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The stunning vineyards of La Clapelie on a limestone massif betweenNarbonne and the Mediterranean.They produce impressive and oftenperfumed reds, blends ofpredominantly Grenache, Syrahand Mourvèdre. The climate, one ofthe hottest and driest in France, ishighly influenced by the sea, withits mists and fresh breezes givingthe wines freshness and acidity.

Château Pech RedonOrganic (Certified)

Run by Christophe Bousquet since 1988, it is rated by the‘Revue du Vin de France’ among the best in France.Christophe, from Jonquières, is one of the ‘young guns’,like Olivier Jullien, who have learnt their trade from theirfamilies. A trained oenologist, he is, surprisingly, moreinterested in his vineyards than the chais. A passionateterroir man, he believes supremely in preserving its identityand in what he, as a grower, can persuade his vines to givehim.

L’EpervierAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2001Syrah, Grenache

“L’Epervier” meaning Sparrow-hawk isan oaked blend of Syrah andGrenache but you hardly notice thewood because none of it is new.Supple ripe fruit with hints ofrosemary and silky tannins.Deliciously smooth and wellintegrated.

La CentauréeAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2000Syrah, Grenache

This cuvée is named after a rare wildflower particular to La Clape. It comesfrom the oldest Syrah and Grenache,half aged in cuve, a quarter in oldwood and a quarter in either new orwood that has seen only one otherwine. Deep, smoky, toasty and highlygarrigue-scented.

With its beautiful setting, pines,cedars and garrigue, Pech Redon is thehighest estate in La Clape.

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Catherine Roque, Domaine de Clovallon


Bédarieux is a small nondesignated terroir right on the edgeof the Faugères appellation closeto the town of Bédarieux. Beingoutside the official LanguedocAOC, its growers are at liberty togrow and experiment with unusualgrape varieties. It’s here that you’llfind Catherine Roque’s Domaine deClovallon, on the hill near theFaugères boundary, just off theroad into Bédarieux, surrounded bymountain slopes of fragrant herbs,shrubs, olive groves andastounding views.

“ Listen to your terroir, above all, and know that nothing can be done without passion - and patience”

Domaine de ClovallonOrganic (Certified)

Over 15 years ago, architect, Catherine Roque, bought ahouse with vines and orchards, on the edge of Faugères,one of the finest appellations in Southern France. At thistime, the area was considered too cold and northerly forappellation status. Catherine used this to her advantageplanting non-appellation grape varieties – Pinot Noir,Clairette, Riesling, Petit Marseng – and producing, fromthem, very good Vin de Pays. Recently acquiring very oldlow yield vines, the highest in the appellation, she now alsogrows traditional regional grape varieties, producing fineappellation wines.

Les PomarèdesVin de Pays Haute Vallée de l'Orb

2006Pinot Noir

Made from 100% Pinot Noir fromancient vines, has a complex nosewith red fruit and spice and an equallycomplex and perfumed palate withmorello cherries, spice and cocoa.An unusual and stunning example ofPinot Noir in the Languedoc.

PalagretVin de Pays Haute Vallée de l'Orb

2005Syrah, Pinot Noir

These grape varieties are a marriagemade in heaven.The blend of Syrahwith it’s tannic structure and thefinesse of the Pinot Noir makes foran extremely elegant wine which willcomplement all kinds of dishes.

Cherry and raspberry fruit on the nosegive way to a rounded palette with redfruit and spice.

Pinot NoirVin de Pays Haute Vallée de l'Orb

2007Pinot Noir

An intensely fruity Pinot Noir with ripetannins and beautiful balance, therelatively young vines are grown onnorth facing slopes so as to retainelegance and freshness.

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Catherine works closely with nature and Domaine deClovallon wines are certified as being fully organic.

ChardonnayVin de Pays Haute Vallée de l'Orb

20032005Chardonnay

An extremely complex example of aChardonnay this wine shows exoticfruit aromas, litchis and pineapple,with a hint of jasmine and gives wayto grilled almonds and fresh butter asit ages.

2005 will be shipped Autumn 2008.

Les AiresVin de Pays Haute Vallée de l'Orb

2006Viognier

Similar in style to wines from Condrieuand in our opinion better than most, thiswine is by far the best Viognier we havetasted from the Languedoc. The northfacing slopes at high altitudes in theHaut Languedoc along with Catherine'shard work in the vineyard and minimumintervention make this fine and delicatewine it is. Peach, pear and citrus noteson the nose give way to a creamy,delicate yet complex palate with a cleanand long finish. A truly excellent wine.

Joli CantelVin de Pays Haute Vallée de l'Orb

2002Please enquire within or guess

Made from a certain grape which isnot to our knowledge grownanywhere else in the South of France(and not officially permitted), this wineis rich and full of texture with crispacidity and lovely fresh apple fruit.

Les Grains de FolieVin de Pays Haute Vallée de l'Orb

2001 (50cl)Muscat, Clairette

This naturally sweet wine made fromvery ripe Muscat and Clairette grapesis lightly honeyed, complex, beautifullybalanced and is a delight to drink.

Les AuriègesVin de Pays Haute Vallée de l'Orb

2005Chardonnay, Viognier, Clairette, Petit

Manseng

A blend of all the white grapes, thiswine combines fruit and richcomplexity with the acidic bite thatmany white Languedoc wines fail toachieve. It holds its own withsubstantial dishes including foie grasand seafood with sauces.

“ The personal charisma and elegance of Catherine Roque are reflected perfectly in her organic wines”


Domaine de ClovallonOrganic (Certified)


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Michel Louison, Château des Estanilles


A cru and appellation in its ownright since 1982, Faugères liesbetween historic Béziers and theplateau of the Natural Park ofUpper Languedoc. Its schist soil,subdued Mediterranean climateand dominance of Syrah giveFaugères wines fine tannins andminerality. Traditionally famous forits Fine de Faugères eau-de-vie, therelatively recent and rapiddevelopment of red wine hascreated much potential for itsyoung vignerons.

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Terrasses du LarzacFaugères AOC

“ For us, it’s hard work on the vines that counts. It’s 90% down to the grapes. With wonderful grapes, it’s easy to make wonderful wines”

Château des EstanillesOrganic (Certified from 2010 vintage)

Headed up by Michel Louison, this estate is very much a familyaffair. Successfully treading the line between modern technologyand traditional principles, Michel and his daughter Sophie havecreated a modern, spotlessly clean and efficient chais, state-of-theart tasting room and office while, at the same time, remainingtrue to Michel’s own rebellious reputation. A pioneer of highdensity planting, they use a high trellising system but insist ononly caterpillar tractors in the vineyards to minimise soildisturbance. They grow all five of the traditionally red Languedocgrapes but Michel favours the Syrah which provides the basisfor their Grande Cuvée. Irrestibale Languedoc.

Rouge PrestigeAOC Faugères


The Syrah only goes into barriques fora year and the wine is bottled 18months after the vintage for a longélevage. It has a powerful nose ofstewed black fruits together with mintand herbs. The palate is wellbalanced and smooth with the sameripe fruits and hints of liquorice.

Château des EstanillesAOC Faugères

2001Syrah dominates this Cuvée

This wine is barrel aged for 13 monthswith a third being made from newwood. An opulent nose of tar, leatherand cocoa gives way to very ripe andgenerous fruit. Full and rounded on thepalate with a firm mineral structure, softtannins and balanced acidity. Vanillacream on the finish.

Mas d’Alezon Organic (Certified)

Owned and run by Catherine Roque alongside Domaine deClovallon this tiny vineyard produces her only appellation controlléewine. She acquired it shortly after setting up Domaine de Clovallonand it is only a few miles away, just over the Faugères border.

Mas d’Alezon AOC Faugères

2004Syrah, Grenache

Lovely intense cherry fruit on the nosewith hints of violets. A very elegantpalate of wild berries with balancedacidity and rounded, soft tannins.


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There are three AOC designatedmethods for the production ofsparkling wines in Limoux. The firstis the Champagne method, calledMéthode Traditionelle (AOC 1938)outside Champagne, which uses upto 10% of Chardonnay and/orChenin Blanc. The second isMéthode Ancestrale (AOC 1938), theoriginal method discovered by StHilaire monks in the 16th century,using 100% Mauzac grapes. And thethird is Crémant de Limoux (AOC1990), the Méthode Traditionnelleusing up to 60% Mauzac grapeswith the balance equally fromChardonnay and Chenin Blancwhich is a richer style with less fizzbut deeper and fruitier.

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“ We grow, tend and harvest all our own grapes.To have good wines, you absolutely must have good grapes.”

Domaine de FournLa lutte raisonnée

Pierre Robert believes passionately in the MéthodeAncestrale and makes one of the best examples althoughmost of his AOC production is now by MéthodeTraditionnelle. It’s more fascinating to tour the chais at allstages of the process with a producer like this, who hasgrown all the grapes himself, than to see a Champagnehouse in Reims. In 1937, Pierre Robert came from Montlaurin Corbières and started with 1.5h of Mauzac.

Since 1957, when his sons decided to return to Pieusse, he’stransformed his estate with noble white vines – Chardonnay,Mauzac and Chenin Blanc. His Crémant won a gold medal atthe Concours General Agricole in Paris in 1998.

Cuvée Crémant RobertBrutAOC Crémant de Limoux

2001Mauzac, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc

This is a particularly luscious winewith a dosage that imparts a fat, evenrich, style with honeyed peach andapple. Its fine mousse gives a certainelegance making it a splendid aperitifwith canapés or with added crème decassis for a decadent Kir Royal.


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James and Catherine Kinglake, Domaine Begude


Domaine BegudeOrganic / Biodynamic

James and Catherine Kinglake moved to France fromLondon and have not looked back since producingtheir first vintage in 2004. Having bought thebiodynamically worked vines from Robert Eden theyset about their aim which was to produce ecologicallyresponsible and superb quality still, wines using theexisting terroir and to add a modern twist to their whitewines which could rival the best from around theworld. The terroir is excellent, the cooler climate a giftand the wines are impeccable and affordable…despitethe cost of the tons of organic sheep and cow manurethey buy in to fertilise the vines!

They want every bottle to arrive in tip top condition andto this end they close all their bottles with Stelvinscrew caps.

Sauvignon BlancVin de Pays D’Oc

2007Sauvignon Blanc

With a sharp elderflower nose andfresh zesty citrus palate this wine isthe perfect synthesis between NewZealand Sauvignon with its tropicalfruit and a deliciously crisp,herbaceous Sauvignon from theLoire. The complexity of theLanguedoc terroir provides thewinning formula. If you like SauvignonBlanc you’ll love this.

Le Bel Ange Vin de Pays D’Oc

2007Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay

Fresh, lively with a zippy citrus noseand apple and pear with aniseed onthe palette this is a triumph. Namedafter James and Catherine’s angelicdaughter, Millie, the balance andfinesse of this wine is astounding andthe refreshing nature leads to an alltoo easy drink.

Pinot RoséVin de Pays D’Oc

2007Pinot Noir

With delicate strawberry fruit andlively acidity this pale rosé is adeliciously refreshing tipple.

“ Ecologically responsible”


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Corbières, the largest of theLanguedoc appellations, covershilly land to the south west of thecity of Narbonne and is limited bythe Aude valley and the Canal duMidi to the north and thedepartmental boundary to thesouth. Its wide diversity of terroirsand climates together with its 11designated terroirs suggest it willat some stage have its own sub-regions.

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Faillenc Sainte Marie is a small property, with only eighthectares of vineyards stubbornly clinging to the rockyfoothills of Mont Alaric. The vineyards are battered by thenorth-westerly Tramontane wind or the southerly Autanbreezes coming off the Mediterranean creating anextremely dry climate. The charming, quirky personality,sense of humor and creativity of Dominique Gibert, as wellas the sensitive and diligent vineyard work of his wife,Marie-Therese Gibert, also mark these wines, both in theirstyle and in their names and labels. The domaine is nowrun by their very capable son, Jean-Baptiste, who played amajor part in the design of the very artistic labels. Yieldsare low and the wines are certified as organic.

Domaine Faillenc Sainte-MarieOrganic (Certified)

Pas des Louves AOC Corbières

2007Maccabeu, Bourboulenc, Clairette,

Roussanne

Vinified on its lees to add complexitythis Corbières blanc shows delicateand elegant aromas on the nose witha mineral freshness. Complex androunded on the palate with notes ofcitrus fruit and apples, it has a largefinish and develops very well with age.

Domaine Faillenc Saint-Marie Rouge AOC Corbières

2004Syrah, Grenache

This is a wine with enormouscharacter showing a powerful andcomplex nose of voilets, spice andundergrowth. A rounded palate anddelightful concentration and balance.

Cuvée Syrhconférence dePresseAOC Corbières

2004Syrah, Grenache

A unique wine whose name is derivedfrom a play on words that refers to itsorigin as a “vin de presse”. Aged insmall oak barrels (not new oak) theresulting wine is powerful and velvetywith notes of spice, herbs andblackcurrant fruit.

Cuvée EscapadeVin de Table de France

2007Cinsault

Lighter in style and certainly a winefor a Spring evening, this cuvée ismeant to evoke memories of secretchildhood adventures.


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Fitou prides itself on being theoldest appellation, since 1948, forred table wine in Languedoc.Characterised by two distinct winestyles from two areas, its chalkysoils by the sea produce fine, moredelicate and supple wines whilethe schist inland, with its drierclimate, produces more powerfulwines. The principal grape varietiesare Carignan and Grenache Noirwith Syrah or Mouvèdre but, formost, it’s Carignan that gives thestructure and backbone so typicalof Fitou. Grenache Noir alsorounds it out with body andalcohol.

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“ A family business, we’re involved in every single aspect so that we produceonly the best possible wine.”

Domaine Bertrand BergéLa lutte raisonnée

Jérôme Bertrand’s grandfather set up as an independentgrower in 1911. Today, the family retains a long-standingrespect for their distinctive terroir, respecting traditionswhile embracing modern materials. With half his vineyardslicensed for Fitou, 60% Carignan and 40% Grenache,Jérome raises his wines in concrete rather than stainlesssteel. There is currently no barrique ageing and no room inwhich to store the barrels although Jérôme plans to convertthe old stable next door as soon as he has the time,installing new oak. If his oaked wines are any bit as goodas his unoaked wines to date then we expect some verygood wines indeed. Jérôme Bertrand has a reputation forproducing ‘the best quality wines in Fitou’.

Cuvée MégalithesAOC Fitou

2000Carignan

Jérôme intends to age this in barrels inthe future. Aroma of incense andconcentrated smooth damsons on thepalate lead to an intense and lingeringfinish.


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CJean-Marie Rimbert with his children Marjolaine and Marceau, Domaine Rimbert


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Terrasses du LarzacSaint-Chinian AOC

With no obvious frontier, there’s asimilarity between the wines ofFaugères and Saint-Chinian, theformer producing rounder, fleshierwines, and the latter, a steelier,more beefy style depending on theterroir. Split by the river Verzanobrewith different soils on either bank,the north and west is schist-based,while the south is limestone andclay, producing differing styles.Saint-Chinian became anappellation in its own right in 1982and three years later wasincorporated into the Côteaux duLanguedoc.

At first Jean-Marie Rimbert dideverything by hand, without even atractor for help. He now has a tractorbut still harvests by hand.

Domaine RimbertLa lutte raisonnée

Moving to Saint-Chinian in the early 90s from Provence in hissearch for ‘strong and characterful terroir’, Jean-Marie Rimbertbought some old Syrah and Carignan vines from a coopérateurand began his winemaking career. He’s now one of the leadingyoung winemakers of the appellation. His passion is evident. Hespeaks lyrically about his wines, the appellation, the localschistous terroir and especially the Carignan grape. He’s alsovery much a family man, naming two of his wines after his youngchildren. His winemaking equipment is located in barns andouthouses around his house, in which you’re just as likely to beoffered a box of freshly picked fresh apricots grown by Jean-Marie’s mother as a glass of his wonderful wine. His low yields,grape sorting, twice daily pigeage (“you feel great and smellgreat”), natural yeasts and refusal to pump, sieve or filter theharvest result in exceptional wines.

Travers de MarceauAOC Saint-Chinian

2001Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault,

Mourvèdre

Described by Jean-Marie as “le plaisiret la gourmandise par excellence”,this wine gives lovely supple fruit and,being a more accessible cuvée, is aperfect barbecue tipple.

Mas au SchisteAOC Saint-Chinian

2001Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault

Half aged in barriques, this rich, finelytextured wine is a more serious affair.Blackcurrant on the nose with scentsof the garrigue, the oak is subtle andthe tannins silky. Perfect with rich,meaty and herbal dishes, such as lamband rosemary or Daube Provençale.


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Domaine Canet-ValetteBiodynamic (Certified)

Indisputably the leader of the avant-garde in Saint-Chinian, Marc Valette’s powerful, warm, generouswines speak volumes about his passion and attentionto detail. He treats his argilo-calcaire soil and vinesonly with organic substances. His winemaking relieson the principle of gravity, using a speciallyconstructed cave on many different levels. He growshis fruit to maximum ripeness and, to respect thegrapes and be in physical contact with his wines, hetreads his grapes by foot in small 50 hectolitre casks.His love of wine is such that he needs to be touching,breathing and immersed in all aspects at all times.

His low yields, crop sorting, twice daily pigeage (“youfeel great and smell great”!) natural yeasts and refusalto pump, sieve or filter the harvest results inexceptional wines.

True passion. Biodynamic.

Une et Mille NuitsAOC Saint-Chinian

20022005Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan,

Cinsault

Aged in cuve and oak, this wine givesvery ripe black fruits on the nose withgarrigue aromas and black pepper. Anelegant and concentrated palate withsupple tannins. Marc’s personalserving suggestions include rabbit,tarragon terrine with sun-driedtomatoes or tuna steak withanchovies.

MaghaniAOC Saint-Chinian

19992000Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Mostly aged in oak, this wine iscomplex on the nose with ripe fruit,liquorice, acacia flowers and spices.Concentrated and full-bodied on thepalate with well-balanced tannins.Marc suggests drinking it with roastedwoodpigeon or wild goose withcaramelised figs. But any red meatwill do!

Marc and Sophie have awarded the1999 vintage of this cuvée their veryown ‘Coup de Coeur’!

I only needed to catch a glimpse ofMarc’s facial expressions whilsttasting his wines to see his love forthem.


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Mas ChampartLa lutte raisonnée

When the Champarts moved to the Languedoc theyknew nothing of winemaking. Today, their wines aresome of the most sought-after in the region. Isabelleand Matthieu Champart, originally from NorthernFrance, started from scratch with a run-down housesurrounded by eight hectares of land and began sellinggrapes to the local co-operative. Gradually, theyacquired more vineyards and built their own chais.Gaining huge acclaim since their first vintage in 1988,they have established a commendable reputation formeaty yet elegant wines with finesse and silky tannins.Their vineyards echo the complex geology of Saint-Chinian, from steeply sloped hillsides withargilocalcaire, through the unique Trias terroir tolimestone and even fine clay and sandstone. Isabelleand Matthieu use organic products to treat the vinesand soil wherever possible. Neither of these wines isfiltered.

Causse du BousquetAOC Saint-Chinian

2005Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan

With gentle hints of ripe cherries,spice and garrigue herbs on the nosethis wine will develop well within thenext year. Full, concentrated fruit,aromatic complexity and finesseensure very good ageing potential.

Meaty yet elegant wines withfinesse and silky tannins...


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Clos BagatelleLa lutte raisonnée

Situated just outside the town of Saint-Chinian, ClosBagatelle is surrounded by 39 hectares of land plantedwith Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre andCinsault vines, up to 80 years in age. Their difference,the Simons believe, lies in their passion, theircontinuity, and the paysan and balanced qualities oftheir wines. By this, Luc laughingly explains, he meansthat after one glass, you will inevitably want another.

La Gloire de Mon PèreAOC Saint-Chinian


The top wine dedicated to the lateHenry Simon, this svelte andconcentrated cuvée is classy, smoothand rich. Aromas of blackberries,cherries and soft spices with a fulland luscious palate, long finish andhints of eucalyptus.

Muscat de Saint Jean deMinervoisAOC Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois

(Vin doux Naturel)

2006Muscat à petits grains

A classic example of a very well-madesweet Muscat de Saint Jean deMinervois, nectar on the palate.Traditionally drunk by the French asan apéritif, this style is now oftenserved with foie gras, blue cheesesand desserts.

“ We always, always want to do better. It’s this passion that has driven our family for nearly four centuries now”


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CCyril and Nadia Bourgne, Domaine de la Madura


Domaine de la MaduraLa lutte raisonnée / Organic

“We bought Domaine de la Madura for its wonderfulcépage and terroir, not for our own comfort andconvenience.” So say Cyril and Nadia Bourgne. Afterbeing cellar master at Château de Fieuzal in Bordeaux,Cyril Bourgne returned to his roots with his wife Nadiain the Languedoc. Convinced by the quality of theterroirs of Domaine de la Madura, they bought amosaic of land parcels on the outskirts of the town.Through determination, passion and sheer hard work,the couple have overcome many obstacles tocapitalise on their vineyard’s great diversity of soiltypes, altitude, exposure and grape varieties. Despitebeing the most recently established on our list, theyhave more press cuttings and complimentary reviewsthan many others. Try them and see.

La Madura ClassicAOC Côteaux du Languedoc

2004Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan, Grenache,

Cinsault

Aromas of raisins and figs, a hint ofvanilla, garrigue herbs and spicescreate a very attractive nose andpalate supported by a firm structureand supple tannins. A rounded winewith a long finish.

La Madura ClassicVin de Pays D’Oc

20022004Sauvignon Blanc

An elegant wine from argilocalcairesoils, this wine has the freshness andcrisp acidity associated withSauvignon Blanc along with citrus andfloral aromas.

La Madura Grand VinAOC Saint-Chinian

2000Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, Carignan

An elegant and complex wine, with anose of ripe blackcurrant andblackberry fruits, balanced notes ofsmokiness and garrigue herbs. Awellstructured and concentrated winewith smooth tannins.

La Madura Grand VinVin de Pays D’Oc

2001Sauvignon Blanc

With grapes from the same vineyardas the Classic, this wine is aged inbarriques for ten months, adding acertain complexity. The nose isintense and suggests white flowersand peaches, along with vanilla. Andif you’re lucky enough to get thechance, it’s perfect with Nadine’sBlanquette de Veau.

“ It’s not easy bottling in a public carpark!”


Min

ervois – La Livin

ièreDaniel Domergue, Clos Centeilles


Bounded by the Canal du Midi inthe south and the Montagne Noireto the north, the vast Minervoisregion ranges from the peaks ofNarbonne to the gates ofCarcassonne. Awarded AOC statusin 1985, there is, within this well-established region, a strong desirefor individually classified terroirs.20 private growers and fourcooperatives have alreadydeveloped their own sub-appellation ‘Minervois La Livinière’.At their best the wines can have anelegance and finesse not always tobe found elsewhere in the south.

Clos CenteillesOrganic

Patricia and Daniel Domergue’s Christmas 2001 newsletterentitled “Clos Centeilles and the whirlwind of fashion”expressed a strong allegiance to ‘terroir and tradition’, anunwillingness to compromise by following fashion and arespect for the identity, quality and tradition of Languedocwines - not just the ambition to make money from them.Professor Daniel Domergue is a wine scholar cumwinemaker who regrets bitterly the demise in status of theCinsault grape. In his view, true Languedoc style is notrepresented by the huge black and over-oaked wines madeby some estates but rather wines that are true to the terroirthat speak and shows their quality through their grapes.

Capitelle de CenteillesAOC Minervois

2000Cinsault

This wine undergoes ‘obsessive’pigeage, fully expressing its nobility.With silky, delicate tannins and fruit,it’s a wine of great elegance, richnessand complexity.

Clos CenteillesAOC Minervois


The aim with this wine was to producean up front and fruit driven cuvée. Witha wonderful nose of fruit, cocoa andspices and overtones of aromaticherbs and leather, the palate is soft,rounded and bursting with fruit.


Le CarignanissimeAOC Minervois

2002Carignan

This wine has a wonderful nose of fruit,cocoa and spices with overtones ofaromatic herbs and leather. The palateis rounded and fruit driven.

Maturation and bottling is done only intanks and not in barrels for this cuvée inorder to retain the primary fruit flavours.Bottling takes soon after, again toensure that the fruit is “imprisoned inthe bottle” (as the Marquis D’Angervilleonce said of his Meursaults).

“ Fashion in the wine world is rather like punctuality in the army: Early is not ontime; after time is late!”

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Domaine Borie de MaurelOrganic

In 1989 Michel Lescande gave up his passion forsailing in order to move inland with his wife Sylvie.They borrowed sufficient money to buy 5 hectares ofvines, a wine cellar and a run-down house on the edgeof the village of Felines Minervois. Michel learnedabout his land and listened until he understood that hewas in possession of a real treasure. This showedfrom the first cuvées of Sylla which caught theattention of the international press who named him “thewizard of Felines”.

Now, this considerable estate of some 35 hectares isone of the leading domaines in the Minervois and inparticular the Minervois cru La Livinière.

Borie de Maurel leads the way in its total commitmentto producing wines of exceptional quality.

SyllaAOC Minervois

2006Syrah, Grenache

This is the domaine’s flagship cuveeand is a full-bodied, voluptuous winewhich is well-structured and balancedwith plenty of style and texture.Produced from hand-picked grapesfrom vines on the Montagne Noire. Nowood. A wine which is perfect forspecial occasions and superb for layingdown. Southern France in a glass.

MaximeAOC Minervois

2006Mourvèdre

Dark and concentrated. Spicy noteswith fig and leather. Silky tannins witha long peppery finish. Matured for 16months in 600 litre oak casks.

Belle de Nuit AOC Minervois

2007Grenache

Strong blackcurrant and blackberryaromas with flavours of rich andwarm, ripe spicy red fruits. A hint ofmint and liquorice with fine tannins.Again produced from hand-pickedgrapes, unfiltered with no oakageing.

La FélineAOC Minervois La Livinière

2005Syrah, Grenache, Carignan

A luscious, concentrated wine first withhints of black pepper and tapenadethat give way to garrigue herbs,ripened fruit and figs. Again producedfrom hand-picked grapes from vines inthis case on the limestone and clayplateau of the Petit Causse. At least13 months maturation with a third inoak. Perfect with lamb - a marriagemade in heaven.

L’Espirit d’Automne AOC Minervois


Michel thinks this wine captures thespirit of harvest-time and it is indeedthe base of the Borie de Maurelstyle. It shows mineral, black olives,tobacco and spices with morellocherries and red fruits leading tomint and liquorice on the finish.Smooth, well balanced and juicy thiswine is the perfect introduction toBorie de Maurel.

Borie de Maurel Aude Blanc AOC Minervois

2007Marsanne with Muscat à Petits Grains

Made almost entirely from Marsannethis wine is rich and complex with whitepeach on the nose. A creamy, fleshypalate with crisp acidity, citrus notes,spice and texture. This wine is drinkingsuperbly now and will age well due tomaturation on its lees.

“The wine cellar is the wizard’s den. Here we don’t manipulate, perform tricks or meddle. We just have a stubborn desire to reveal in the wine vat the true nature of Borie de Maurel”


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Château d’OupiaLa lutte raisonnée

Château d’Oupia has been in the hands of the Ichéfamily since 1860 and André Iché was in charge since1969 until he sadly passed away in November 2007when his daughter took over the running of theChâteau. The Château now has 53 hectares aroundthe village of Oupia, just outside Olonzac, and furthernorth at La Caunette, including some 100 year oldvines. The Ichés are of the “old school” wine makingstock and very traditional in their approach. Theirwinemaking equipment is stored in a barn across theroad from their village house. The Ichés’ wines aremade in extremely small quantities and have areputation for respecting the Minervois terroir andtradition and making wines of extraordinary quality.

TraditionAOC Minervois

2006Syrah, Carignan, Grenache

This wine is made in the traditionalway without any wood or carbonicmaceration. It shows the rugged,almost rustic, flavours of Carignanwith the scents and herbs of thegarrigue, giving soft and supple fruitand a spicy finish.

Les BaronsAOC Minervois

2006Carignan, Syrah, Grenache

This cuvée, first made in 1985, ismostly aged in wood (for a year) andincludes some carbonic macerationfor the Carignan, blended aftermalolactic fermentation. It will agevery well as the young wine is packedwith ripe, oaky vanilla flavours with abackbone of tannin.


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Clot de L’OumOrganic (Certified)

This is another very recent addition to our list from theRoussillon region and what a find it is! Eric Monné’svineyards are on the hillside slopes above Maury andBelesta, with a stunning view from the cellars acrossthe Agly valley. The higher, cooler climate slopes at400 to 500 metres above sea level give wines of aclass and minerality almost reminiscent of the NorthernRhône. The fine and elegant wines are all made usingorganic methods and Eric will be starting to experimentwith biodynamic methods this year.

La Compagnie desPapillons AOC Côtes du Roussillon Villages

Caramany

2004Grenache, Carignan

A blend of Grenache and Carignanfrom old vines, on gneiss soils.Peppery spicy fruit, with ripe, suppletannins and good length. Attractivemineral flavours, which develop overseveral hours.

Saint Bart Vielles Vignes AOC Côtes du Roussillon Villages

Caramany


A blend of one third each Syrah onschist, with their best parcelles ofGrenache on granite and schist, andCarignan on gneiss, on a vineyardparcelle of Saint Barthélémy whichgives the cuvée its name. TheCarignan, especially, is outstanding inthis blend. This is the most“Mediterranean” of the three wines,more “sauvage”, as he puts it, idealfor Mediterranean food, with powerfulripe fruit, spicy and gamey.

Also available in magnums.Numéro Uno AOC Côtes du Roussillon Villages

Caramany

2006Syrah, Carignan

A selection of the best parcelles ofSyrah (80% of the blend), on graniteand gneiss, with the best cask ofCarignan from Saint Barthélémy.Outstanding wine. Long, powerfulstructured wine, with fine mineralfruit, almost “Hermitage” in style. Thiswine came above L’Hermitage 2001,Chave from the Northern Rhône in ablind tasting in London of Languedoc-Roussillon wines versus The Best ofFrance.


* 2006 will be shipped late 2008.

Higher, cooler climate slopes giveEric Monné’s wines a class andminerality almost reminiscent ofthe northern Rhône


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Domaine des SoulanesOrganic

Daniel and Cathy Lafitte are the perfect winemakingpartnership: Daniel makes the wine and Cathy supportshim with the admin and marketing as well as helping outin the vineyard. They own 17 hectares of vines aroundMas Amiel in the district of Tautavel, the latestacquisition being a small vineyard named “le pantalon”.Daniel and Cathy bought the domaine in the late ninetiesafter working with the previous owner and Daniel’s stepfather for 15 years and renamed it Domaine desSoulanes (a Soulane is a south/south east facinghillside). Memorable wines from a delightful couple.

Jean PullVin de pays des Côtes Catalanes

2004Grenache, Carignan

Aged in a cuve rather than in woodthis fruit driven cuvée shows darkfruits with smooth and silky tanninsand a delicious lingering finish.

Bastoul Lafitte Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes

20042007 Grenache with Carignan

This is Daniel's personal favouritecuvee as it is made predomiantly fromhis preferred grape, Grenache.Lovely, soft Grenache fruit with silkytannins and a lingering finish.


Sarrat del Mas Côtes du Roussillon Villages

2007Grenache, Syrah, Carignan

This wine is aged in French oakbarriques and displays delicious spicydark fruit and smooth tannins. Like allthe wines of Domaine Soulanes thewine has not been filtered or fined andcan develop a deposit so decanting isrecommended. Being a dense andvery concentrated wine it would be theperfect match to meat dishes such asboeuf en daube or boeuf bourgignon.


Maury Hors D’AgeAOC Maury (Vin Doux Naturel)

Blend of old vintages (50cl)Grenache Noir with Grenache Gris

Best drunk at room temperature thisMaury should be drunk with rich, darkchocolate desserts or on its own as adigestif or with a cigar.

MauryAOC Maury (Vin Doux Naturel)

1999 (50cl)Grenache Noir

This all too moreish wine shows spiceand dried fruit on the nose with darkfruit, figs and orange confit on thepalate.A delightful alternative to tawnyport this is the perfect match tochocolate desserts, foie gras with figsand some cheeses, especiallyMimolette or blue cheeses.

MauryAOC Maury (Vin Doux Naturel)

2005Grenache Noir

Fresh and fruity on the nose withbalanced tannin and sweet, spicyraspberry and cherry fruit on thepalate. The perfect match to chocolatedesserts or fruits of the forest tart.

Maury Blanc AOC Maury (Vin Doux Naturel)

2007 (50cl)Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris

As with all of their other wines nochemical herbicides or pesticides havebeen used on the land and the wineshave not been filtered nor fined. Thiswine should be drunk at temperature of12 degrees and shows wonderfulflavours of tropical fruit, especially starfruit, and some pear. It can be drunk asan aperitif and is also the perfect matchto citrus and tropical fruit desserts.



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Domaine GaubyBiodynamic

Gerard Gauby has often been described as theuncrowned king of the Roussillon, organicallycultivating a total of 45ha of vines comprising 150different parcels which include soil types as diverse aslimestone, clay-limestone, schist, marl and even areddy coloured sandstone called grès(well-known tolovers of “Châteauneuf-du-Pape”. The search forelegance and finesse ends here. In a region dominatedby average cooperatives Gerard has done forRoussillon what Aimé Guibert did for Languedoc,namely he put it on the map. He works his vinesorganically and uses biodynamic methods.

Les Calcinaires Rouge Côtes du Roussillon Villages

Please EnquireSyrah with Mourvèdre, Grenache,

Carignan

A big but easy to drink wine aged incuve and barrels.

Les Calcinaires BlancVin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes

Please EnquireMuscat, Maccabeu

A deliciously mineral dry white.

Coune Gineste BlancVin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes

Please EnquireGrenache Blanc, Grenache Gris

Gerard’s equivalent of a Montrachetfrom Burgundy. A supreme exampleof what the word terroir means..

Vieilles Vignes BlancVin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes

Please EnquireGrenache Blanc, Grenache Gris,

Maccabeu

A more substantial style of wineloaded with citrus flavours.

Vieilles Vignes RougeCôtes du Roussillon Villages

2002Syrah, Grenache

A brilliant wine that can be drunk oldor young, Gerard compares this to afine burgundy. Not everyone wouldagree with the comparison but no onewould dispute the quality.

MuntadaCôtes du Roussillon Villages

2002Carignan, Grenache

Gerard’s own cross between a Cortonand a Gevrey-Chambertin fromBurgundy. A stunning wine from asingle vineyard.

CariciaAOC Rivesaltes (Vin Doux Naturel)

2005 (50cl)Grenache Noir

Stylistically akin to a mute sur grains.


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Le Soula Blanc Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes

2005Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne,

Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc

Those who like Chablis Grand Cru willadore this. Labelled “one of France’sbest whites” by Tim Atkin MW, JancisRobinson MW sums it up as “themost exciting white wine to come myway in many a year”. A unique fineand polished wine with real minerality,backbone and complexity.


Domaine SoulaBiodynamic

Gerard Gauby also lends his talent to thebiodynamique cultivation of Domaine Soula in theNorth West of the region. The location of this terroiradds the dimensions of altitude and a soil ofdecomposed granite, whilst Gerard coaxes the bestout of his largely old vines through restricted yields andhis own interpretation of biodynamic viticulturalpractice.

Le Soula Rouge Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes

2005Grenache Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon

The best red yet from Domaine Soulain terms of overall finesse and lack ofextraction. This is how Gerard aspiresto make wine in the future. Drinkingnow after decanting and will improvefor years to come.


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Casot des MaillolesBiodynamic (Certified)

Guislaine and Alain certainly know how to picnic andindeed the first time we visited we were led up thesteep terraces of their Banyuls vineyard in unusuallycold tempartures of minus 11 degrees to enjoy adelicious picnic on the pinnacle of a hill overlooking theMediterranean and the Spanish border. The foodaccompanied their wines superbly and we knewimmediately that these biodynamic Vin de Table wineswere definitely going to find a place on our list.

Le Clôt de Taillelauque Vin de Table

2004Grenache Noir, Carignan

The grapes used for this wine aregrown on a parcelle of north eastfacing vines giving a deliciouslyrounded and concentrated wine withripe red fruit and spices.


Le Blanc du Casot Vin de Table

2004Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris,

Muscat D’Alexandrie, Clairette,

Carignan Blanc

Made from vines older than 50 yearsold this wine is deliciously complex,concentrated and rich with hints ofhoney and grilled almonds. Drinkingwell now or will keep for up to 5years.


Le Soula Vin de Table

2004Grenache Noir

Made from grapes grown on southwesterly facing terroir de Mailloles thiswine is a very typical vin de terroir andis aged in oak for 4 months. Can bedrunk now or kept for up to ten years.

“ Tous nos vins sont des vins de table, car généralement bus à table, autour d’une table et quelquefois… à la plage”


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Domaine de la RectorieOrganic

Vincent Legrand, son-in-law of Marc Parcé, is theyoung manager of this controversial 25 hectare estate;controversial not with the consumers who regard hiswines as among the best in Roussillon but with theauthorities due to the unconventional, rebellious natureof the wines and their producer. Around 30 differentwines are made here each year including two Colliourereds. We have gone for what we believe to be the bestof all in the cuvées Leon Parcé and Parcé Frères.

Cuvée Parcé FrèresAOC Banyuls (Vin Doux Naturel)

2006Grenache Noir

This wine sees no barrels and thegrapes are harvested early to producea fruit driven style of Banyuls.

Cuvée Leon ParcéAOC Banyuls (Vin Doux Naturel)

2005Grenache Noir

A wine named in honour of hisgrandfather Parcé, this is made invintage style and aged in foudres forone year which brings some oxidationand nutiness. A powerful andconcentrated vintage.


Other regions of France

Pro

vence


Domaine de TrévallonOrganic (Certified)

Erloi Durrbach has been producing wine at Domainede Trévallon since 1977. The vineyard was within theappellation of Coteaux des Baux de Provence, butsince Eloi did not agree to plant any other varietiesthan the Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon which he hasalways vinified, he lost appellation status and was“demoted” to Vin de Pays. He has even been refusedpermission to expand his 15 hectare vineyard so newplantings have only become possible by uprooting oldvines. His wines are now so sought after that thedomaine has attained almost cult status.

The distinctive cubist labels were designed by Eloi'sfather - a friend and contemporary of Picasso. Eloi wasPicasso's godson! We are fortunate enough to stillhave stocks of older vintages.

Domaine de TrévallonRouge Vin De Pays des Bouches du Rhône

20002001*Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon

His red wine is traditionally vinified inwooden open top fermentors, with lowyields, late picking and long cuvaison,is rich, powerful and complex with thesmoky ripeness of Syrah balancing thefirm structure of Cabernet Sauvignon.The wine spends 2 years in woodenfoudres with about 10% newbarriques. The 2001 vintage isextremely concentrated and trulyoutstanding.

* Please enquire within for oldervintages and magnums.

Domaine de TrévallonBlanc Vin De Pays des Bouches du Rhône

2006Marsanne, Roussanne, Chardonnay

The white is from Marsanne andRoussanne, with around 10%Chardonnay. It spends about 20months in oak.

The Trévallon mantra is low yieldsand avoidance of chemicaltreatments in the vineyard. The result is a harvest of richlyripe grapes.


Pro

vence


Château SimoneLa lutte raisonnée / Organic

The vineyards and Château of this domaine can beseen decorating the densely wooded hillsides to theeast of Aix en Provence, overlooking the motorway.These are some of the oldest vineyards we have seen,and even the experts are unsure of the variety of someof the old vines, which were planted as a mix ofvarieties. The oldest vines were planted in 1891, andRené Rougier, who runs the domaine with his family,and who has worked the vineyards since 1952, hasnever replaced a vine during all his time on thedomaine. The Simone vineyards are unusual in everyrespect. They are farmed on north-facing limestonerubble on the side of the Arc Valley with a large rangeof grape varieties planted.

Palette is a tiny appellation in Provence of only 23hectares 17 of which belong to Château Simone andthe rest is made up of pine forests. Simone istherefore the only vineyard in the appellation.

Château Simone RougeAOC Palette

2004Grenache with Mourvèdre, Cinsault,

Syrah, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon,

Castet, Manosquin and Muscat Noir

Soft and spicy with raspberry fruit,garrigue herbs, ripe and earthy withrounded tannins.

Château Simone BlancAOC Palette

2005Clairette with Grenache blanc, Muscat,

Ugni Blanc

A unique white wine, maybeunfashionable but very nutty, complexand almost reminiscent of Vin Jaunein the richness of fruit. Spends 18months in wood.


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Champagne Pierson Whitaker

We are delighted to have exclusivity in the UK for thisAvize based Champagne House.

As well as producing delicious Champagnes in the caveof their beautiful 19th Century Champagne House,Didier Pierson and his English wife, Imogen Whitakeralso run their house as a Chambre D’Hôte and receiveguests in some of their rooms all year round. Thehouse is situated in the old village of Avize in the Côtede Blancs and is surrounded by a wooded gardenwhich slopes up to meet the vineyards behind. Didierwas born into the Champagne world as there are 5separate Champagne houses within his family and hisyouth was spent going from one to another working andlearning. Imogen sums up his passion very succinctlywhen she say that “Didier was born in a vat (notliterally!) and will probably die in one as he is veryemotionally attached to his vineyard and region!” Whenhe inherited his vineyard from his grandparents he set tostraight away and created his own marque, whichincorporates both his and Imogen’s names. He isdedicated to the idea of “finesse” and lovesexperimenting with the “assemblage”, instead of justmaking the usual blanc de blancs typical of this part ofthe Champagne region.

Pierson Whitaker CuvéeReserveAOC Champagne

Brut NVChardonnay, Pinot Noir

Six year old Champagne made from ablend of 50% Chardonnay and 50%Pinot Noir. Beautifully balanced,mellow and well-rounded, thisChampagne takes you into a world ofred fruits and dried fruits. Perfect forany occasion.


Glossary of termsArgilo-calcaire - clay mixed with chalk or limestone.

Barrique - barrel or cask, nowadays usually containing 225 litres.

Biodynamic - An alternative approach to viticulture in which organicmethods and homeopathic treatments are used. Vineyard practisesare timed to coincide with the movements of the moon and planets.

Cave - wine cellar.

Caviste - specialist wine retailer.

Cépage - grape variety.

Cépage améliorateur - grape variety, usually Syrah or Mourvèdreencouraged by the authorities to replace older lessvalued wines.

Chai (s) - winery, for vinification and/or storing.

Cuve - a vat of any material.

Cuvée - the wine drawn off one or more vats.

Dosage - The topping up of sparkling wines prior to corking with amixture of wine and sugar to determine the final style of the winefrom Brut to Doux.

Garrigue - a heath-like terrain valued for its wild herbs and flowers.

Hectare - an area of 10,000 sq metres, about 2.5 acres.

Hectolitre - 100 litres.

Macération - the leaving of the grape skins, stalks, pulp, and juice incontact with each other either before, during or after fermentation.

Macération carbonique - a winemaking technique where the grapesare not crushed but allowed to disintegrate by themselves under aprotective layer of carbonic gas.

Mono-cépage - a wine made from a single grape variety, a varietal.

Parcelle - a piece of land.

Pigeage - the breaking up of the chapeau to give fermenting juiceaccess to the solids.

Saignage - drawing off pink juice from fermenting red grapes to makevin rosé.

Schist/schiste - shale, a flaking brittle soil.

Vendange en vert - the picking of bunches of unripe grapes topromote quality and concentration in the remaining bunches.

Vin de pays - a wine from a recognised locality but not within an areaof AOC, also a wine made within an AOC but which does not complywith the rules of the appellation.



Ordering information


Contact usTelephone: 01756 700512Mail: Terroir Limited

TreetopsGrassington RoadSkiptonNorth YorkshireBD23 1LL

Fax: 01756 [email protected]

Opening hoursMonday to Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm

How to place an orderTelephone us for a fast and personal service, please call: 01756 700512

Fax an order for to us at: 01756 797856

Email us for an equally fast and personal service at:[email protected]

Order online to find out about our special offers at:www.terroirlanguedoc.co.uk


Terms and conditionsMinimum OrderOne case (12X75cl) or 9 litres equivalent, which may be mixed. Allprices stated are per case of 12.

PricesAll prices are the full price to be invoiced, inclusive of Value Added Taxat 17.5% but exclusive of delivery charges. Please contact us for InBond London prices.

DeliveriesBottles of wine are heavy, fragile and expensive to move around. Itcosts us anything from £15 to several times this amount (dependingon the delivery postcode) to get a single case to your door safely andin tip-top condition and that cost escalates with each additional case.

In order to enable us to keep the prices of our wine as low aspossible, we must reluctantly ask you for a contribution. We make adelivery charge of £10 ex VAT but on orders in excess of £450 invalue we will stand the full delivery cost. This applies to all deliverieswithin mainland UK excluding the Scottish Highlands.

PaymentPayment will be accepted by VISA, Mastercard, Switch and Delta, UKcheque or bank transfer (contact us for our bank details). All goodsremain the property of Terroir Limited until paid for in full.

ClaimsCases should be opened and examined on arrival. If this is notpossible the carrier’s sheet must be signed “unexamined”. Anybreakage must be reported to us within three days of receipt of adviceof dispatch.

Money-back guaranteeIf you are not satisfied with any of our wines on delivery simply returnany unopened bottles to us for a full refund.

TastingsWe hold a series of tastings throughout the year. We also host tutoredtastings and supply wines for corporate, club and society events.These events can be tailormade to suit your own requirements. Forfurther details please contact us.



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Wines from Terroir Languedoc

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