Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Easily one of the benchmark whites of the region, the 2012 IGP Pays d’Herault Blanc comes from limestone soils and is an eclectic blend of 20% Viognier, 20% Chardonnay, 20% Petit Manseng, 20% Chenin Blanc and the balance a mix of varieties. A serious effort that has both concentration and structure, it offers gorgeous minerality in its citrus blossom, floral and ripe orchard fruit-driven bouquet. Medium-bodied, with beautiful purity and focus, it deserves a classy meal, and should drink beautifully for 3-4 years, possibly longer, although I have no experience with aged examples of this cuvee. Don’t miss a chance to try this superb white.
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 catchall term for the area surrounding the Languedoc and Roussillon, Pays d’Oc is the most important IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) in France, producing 85% of this country’s wine under the IGP designation. (IGP indicates wine of good quality, not otherwise elevated to the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status.)
The near perfect Mediterranean climate combined with dry, cool winds from the north, optimal soils, altitudes and exposures make Pays d’Oc an ideal wine growing region. Single varietal wines and blends are possible here and while many types of grapes do well in Pays d’Oc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache and Cinsault are among the most common.