Winemaker Notes
Excellent with filet of beef, grilled tuna steak, or gamebirds.
Blend: 65% Syrah, 35% Grenache
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Easily the most impressive in the lineup, the 2013 Coteaux du Languedoc Pic Saint Loup Vieilles Vignes is an old vine blend of 65% Syrah and 35% Grenache that spent 10 months in tank prior to bottling. Its inky color is followed by slightly northern Rhone like characteristics of black and blue fruits, leafy herbs, pepper and violets. This is followed by a medium-bodied, balanced, pure 2013 that has good acidity, a full mid-palate and sweet tannin. It should have a solid 7-9 years of overall longevity.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A catch-all phrase for the important wines of the Languedoc not otherwise allocated to another sub-appellation, Coteaux du Languedoc was elevated to AC status in the 1980s.