Winemaker Notes
A deep red color with flashes of violet. The nose reveals complex aromas of small red and black fruit. On the palate, this blend blossoms into complex aromas of ripe red fruit, backed by notes of licorice, gingerbread and scrubland. A full-bodied wine with lots of finesse enhanced by mellow tannins. The finish of this powerful wine is particularly lively, enhancing its excellent length on the palate, ending with touches of roasted coffee and peppery spices.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A smoking value from Gerard Bertrand (who’s portfolio is loaded with impressive wines), the 2015 Languedoc Terroir is mostly Syrah, with 31% Grenache, that was completely destemmed and aged partially in Bordeaux barrels. Its saturated purple color is followed by a ripe, modern-style, creamy Languedoc that offers loads of cassis, licorice and smoked herbs. Drink this Old-World fruit bomb over the coming 2-3 years.
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.
An extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.