Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deeper and richer, with more obvious minerality, the 2011 Coteaux du Languedoc Blanc gives up a medium-bodied, textured and layered profile, with ample citrus, almond paste and toasty nuances on the nose. It will shine with food and continue to evolve gracefully.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
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.