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INTRODUCTION
This week, after 3 weeks of discovering the red wines of Languedoc-Roussillon, we discover their other wines – the whites, the sparkling wines and the fortified wines.
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| A White Coteaux du Languedoc |
White wines are found all over Languedoc-Roussillon, the sparkling wines are just from around Limoux south of Carcassonne and the fortified wines mainly come from the Roussillon area
VARIETALS
Sparkling – The sparkling wines of Limoux are made from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac plus sometimes some Pinot Noir.
Dry White – The dry white wines may contain Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Ugni Blanc, Bourboulenc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Picpoul de Pinet and other grape varieties.
Sweet White Vin Doux Naturels – These tend to be made with the various Muscat grapes.
Red Vin Doux Naturels – These tend to made of the various Grenache grape varietals,
THE WINES
Limoux claims to have been making sparkling wines since the sixteenth century and this is well before Champagne produced its first sparkling wine. The area around the town actually produces 3 different sparkling wines – in descending order of preference – Cremant de Limoux, Blanquette de Limoux and Blanquette Methode Ancestrale. The dull Mauzac grape can make up too much of the latter blends. The Cremant de Limoux can be the equal of any other Cremant wines in France.
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| Still and Sparkling wines from Limoux |
Limoux also produces a dry white wine which is based around oaked Chardonnay and these can be quite a pleasant and cheaper alternative to Burgundy.
You will find light dry white wines made in the generic Languedoc appellations – AOC Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc. In my view most are fairly unexciting unless you are on holiday in the area and they are accompanying the local seafood.
Fortified sweet white Muscat wines come from Frontignan, Mireval, Lunel, Rivesaltes and St Jean de Minervois. They are made in great quantity by a number of cooperatives. I have to say that I prefer Beaumes de Venise from the Rhone valley. Again, worth trying if in the area with an appropriate desert.
In the Rousillon area you will find the vin doux naturels of Banyuls and Maury. These can make pleasant aperitif wines or the red ones make a great desert wine to pair with chocolate.
THE TASTE
The Muscat grape produces quite grapey wines.
The red vins doux naturels are quite raisiny.
TOP TIPS
• If you like oaked Chardonnay look out for a good Limoux still white. Last time I was in Boulogne Auchan I managed to pick up a Toque et Clochers wine from the Sieur d’Arques cooperative – rather nice and not too over oaked.
• Cremant de Limoux can sometimes be a pleasant value sparkling wine – again buy in France to get a good deal.
• For Chocoholics look out for a good bottle of Red Maury – easier to find in France than the UK.
HOMEWORK
For your homework this week you need to buy and try a white, sparkling or fortified Languedoc-Roussillon wine. As usual I have found it easier to find good ones at Waitrose:
Waitrose - Cuvee Royale Brut NV Cremant de Limoux - about £10.
Waitrose - Domaine de Felines Picpoul de Pinet 2009 Languedoc - about £8
Waitrose - Domaine Pouderoux Vendange Tardive 2005 Maury - about £11 for 50cl
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| Seafood lunch in Sete with Muscat and dry white wine |
The whites go well with seafood.
The sparkling wines make a good aperitif and can also pair soft cheeses.
The Vins Doux Naturels reds are great wines for chocolate deserts or strong hard cheeses.
The Muscats make a good accompaniment to an otherwise healthy fruit salad.
COMING SOON
Next week we move on to the wines of the South West of France. If you missed the early weeks of this course, it is not too late to catch up. Just click on the Frech Wine Course link at the top of this page.
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