Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
As usual, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan, Cinsault, the Cal Demoura 2008 Coteaux du Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac L’Infidele displays ripe black raspberry and cassis shadowed by their distilled counterparts; smoky black tea; resinous herbs; and low-toned suggestions of roasted red meats. There is clarity and refinement here as well as an infectious juiciness – over and beyond the wine’s ample richness and fine tannins – which Goumard is inclined to attribute in part to the introduction of a sorting table, though it surely has something to do with the character of the vintage as well. This long-finishing blend is likely to remain fascinating and delicious for the better part of a decade, though I would by no means spurn its youthful charms.
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.