Wine tourism is back stronger than ever. Though many Americans see California’s Napa Valley as the ultimate experience, wine lovers should look to the South of France.

The South of France Experience

The film, A Good Year, romanticized vineyards and the relaxed South of France lifestyle.

Let me tell you this: your wine trip to the South of France can be exactly like the scenes from the movie.

In my most recent visit to Assignan (in the Languedoc), I enjoyed luxurious accommodations in a delightful hotel, Château Castigno, centered in its own (renovated) ancient village.

The Castigno Village

The hotel, vineyards, nearby winery, and village are the creation of Tine Claeys and Marc Verstraete. 

When they first saw Château Castigno, they instantly felt that something very special had just begun.

They took over the historic estate and its vineyard, to restore it and give it back its former glory.

Not Your “Average” Wine Hotel Experience

Though you’ll need a car (or car service) to get to the hotel based in Castigno Village, you won’t need one during your visit.

The spa, the hotel’s variety of restaurants, and more are located right in the village.

One can drive (or bicycle) to the Castigno Winery, an architectural masterpiece made from Portuguese cork.

Château Castigno: What I Liked Best

I loved the slow, relaxed vibe of the hotel, as well as my room. It overlooked the charming swimming pool. And it was decorated like a 19^th century bordello with lots of plush red velvet.

The rooms and suites are all different, but mine had the bath area on an upper level.

Breakfast at the hotel (at one of the restaurants in the village) was a gourmet delight.

The menu featured international favorites and fresh squeezed juice.

Chateau Castigno Estate: Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed this well-run, luxurious hotel. For good friends and couples, it allows for the opportunity to relax and unwind, all while enjoying delicious food and well-made organic wine.

If You go:

Chateau Castigno Information

A Guide to the Languedoc 

Faugeres

Unique Wine Regions

Intuitive Wine Tasting in the Languedoc

The post Château Castigno appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

Instinctive Wine Tasting

Instinctive wine tasting – what is it? What does it mean to “taste with instinct?”

Imagine yourself suddenly in a position to teach someone about wine?

This would likely be an informal occasion. Perhaps your date asked a question during dinner. Or maybe a child asked what kind of “juice” you’re enjoying.

Instinctive Wine Tasting vs. The Systematic Approach

The concentration of wine lovers with formal credentials from WSET, the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust , Court of Master Sommeliers, or Masters of Wine has never been higher.

Yet this has led to a wine-focused society where wine-lovers now use “wine speak” instead of sensation-oriented words to describe a wine.

Rather than appreciating wine for its basic pleasures, many “wine geeks” (including myself here) approach the glass analytically.

We have become accustomed to reaching for our treasured wine notebook and jotting down our assessment of acidity, fruit, alcohol, and balance of a wine.

In many wine accreditation programs, tasting classes involve a moderator tasting with the students and “correcting” their assessment of what’s in the glass.

Instinctive Wine Tasting

During my most recent trip to the Languedoc I was curious to find the seminar portion of the program focused on “instinctive tasting” of Languedoc wine.

Led by wine educator My Nilsson, we were informed that we would taste wine blind. The aim would be to focus on pleasure, and not the wine’s structural components.

Participants were told to put away our notebooks. A bright neon orange or yellow sticky notecard replaced it.

Once the wine was poured blind, we were told to reflect on four key questions and write the answer on our neon cards.

Questions for Intuitive Tasting

1. Does the wine jolt any memories that are not related to the wine?

2. Who would you like to drink this wine with?

3. What setting, or landscape can you imagine yourself in with this wine?

4. On what occasion would you like to drink this wine?

Blind Tasting with Passion

 “Describe this white wine with words that convey emotions,” Ms. Nilsson instructed.

I took a sip. But I couldn’t resist my first thoughts. Racy high acidity, my brain said.

But as I wrote the structural components, I remembered the purpose of the exercise: taste instinctively.

I took another sip.

The wine made me feel happy. I wrote that down on the tangerine-colored card. Then I tried to think who I’d share the wine with.  My cat.

My cat???

Where did that come from?

Why would I share this wine with my cat instead of a group of friends at a party? Or at a fancy restaurant?

Then I was asked what the wine reminded me of.

I searched for interesting, emotion-based memories.

One of them included walking through a fragrant lemon grove in Bardolino. Another was the scent associated with a childhood lemonade stand.

What Are the Occasions to Taste Instinctively?

Intuitive wine tasting is a dynamic and unconventional way to approach a wine.

It is a great way to introduce tasters to an unfamiliar wine, especially because the wine is served blind.

For example, a salesperson representing a wine from a little-known region could use this approach with a sommelier or wine buyer.

Another way to use intuitive wine tasting is as an exercise at a corporate retreat for three key reasons.

1. This is a fun exercise that helps the taster relax and more quickly get into the team-building aspect of the corporate retreat.
2. If the taster has any inhibitions about wine (they feel insecure about discussing it), the exercise gives them confidence.
3. The exercise allows insight into the personalities of the other team members.

As a wine professional and wine educator, I knew the value of Languedoc wines.

Yet many people have never tasted a Languedoc wine. Or have a misguided impression. 

Intuitive wine tasting is a fun way to explore a wine for its inherent pleasure.

Related Articles

Chateau Castigno Hotel Information

A Guide to the Languedoc 

Faugeres

Unique Wine Regions of the Languedoc

The post Instinctive Wine Tasting in the Languedoc appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

Unique Languedoc Wine Regions

If you’re looking for delicious, affordable wine, the Languedoc area of Southern France should be on your radar.

Small Family Wineries. Big Dreams.  

Unique wine regions of the Languedoc are populated by small family wineries. While some date from the 19^th century, the majority today are those run by the grandchildren of the original vignerons …

… or even examples of well-educated professionals who left the bigger cities behind in order to live off the land.

If you’re looking for delicious, affordable wine, the Languedoc area of Southern France should be on your radar.

Chateau Guiraud Boissezon in Saint Chinian

A key example of this subset of “new vignerons” is Chateau Guiraud Boissezon in the AOP region of Saint Chinian.  Owner Michel Guiraud’s family had worked the vines since 1830. Yet it was his grandfather who planted the vast majority of the vines in 1900.

Michel’s wife, Pompilia Boissezon, made her living as a highly trained pharmacist before establishing their domaine. More recently she joined her husband full time in an export capacity. Today, their two sons actively work in the winery.

One of my favorite Domaine Boissezon Guiraud wines was the 2019 Les Cerises Saint Chinian. This a blend of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault.

Pech Menel in Saint Chinian

I met the blonde Elizabeth Poux at one of my first tasting events. What I noticed first was the similarity between her sophisticated blonde elegance (including her all white outfit) and the finesse of her delicious white wine.

The Pech Menel vineyard is planted on stony slopes facing south.

As I spoke to Ms. Poux, I wondered if it was the scrub vegetation surrounding the vineyard scrub ( thyme, lavender, rosemary) that helped give the wine such expression of aroma and flavors

Domaine Castan of Saint Chinian

Gregarious Valerie Castan arrived at the first tasting to show off her delicious Domaine Castan rose wine.

Her parents Monique and André Castan grew up with their families owning vines. In 1993 they realized their dream of establishing their own domaine for bottled wine.

(In previous generations, many vineyard owners sold the juice only, instead of bottling under their own label.)

In 1997, they bottled their cuvée “Les Terres Rouges” under the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée Languedoc. It was a turning point for the estate’s quest for quality.

In 2011, Valérie and her brother Guilhem joined the estate. Since 2015 Guilhem has become the winemaker. The estate is proud to be certified organic.

Unique Languedoc Wine Regions: The Terroir of Saint Chinian

What are the motivating factors that make a vigneron look at a piece of land and declare it is “magic?”

Saint Chinian producers would likely say the allure was St. Chinian’s sun, sky, and soil.

Recently I visited the overall Languedoc AOC region of Southern France. Producers I met all shared a love for their specific appellation.

One key element that separates Saint Chinian from neighboring appellations is its soil. Marked by limestone and clay soil, in the southern end you may find that the clay has a purple tinge.

Red, white, and rose styles of wine originate from the native grapes of the Languedoc: For red and rose wine, the key grapes are Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Carignan. The appellation has restrictions/limits of how much of any one grape variety can be used in the blend.

Marsanne, Roussanne, and Vermentino grapes make up the white blend. 

Walking the Soils of Saint Chinian

I felt privileged to spend an afternoon in the “wild” high elevation vineyards of St. Chinian. Though a relatively sunny day, the wind smacked at my face – a testament to the rugged climate.

Garrigue (the native thyme, lavender, rosemary) grew among the vines and scented the air.

One could also see small huts made of rocks, huts that looked thousands of years old (and well could be). Today they are used as shelter for vignerons and shepherds.

Unique Languedoc Wine Regions: Domaine Les Eminades

Domaine Les Eminades

Offering a wine tasting outside one such shed stood Patricia Bettoni, who owns the domaine with her husband Luc.

They met at university and explored careers (pharmacy studies for Patricia, oenology for Luc)   

Then in 2002 after living in many French wine regions they settled in Saint Chinian and focus on typical Languedoc grape varieties like old vine Carignan and Cinsault. Beyond the native varieties of Saint Chinian, they loved the way its diverse soil (clay-limestone, red sandstone, flint) could produce such spectacular wine.

Walking the Soils of Saint Chinian

Also showcasing their wine against the stunning backdrop of the St. Chinian hills was Christine Deleluze who runs the family vineyard with her brother, Luc.

What Christine loves about the terroir is the four distinct terroirs on the property, which give each cuvee a specific character.

Christine poured wine with the help of her university-aged daughter, now gearing up to increase her activity in the winery.

Clos Bagatelle

Also showcasing their wine against the stunning backdrop of the St. Chinian hills was Clos Bagatelle.

Christine Deleluze runs the family vineyard with her brother, Luc.

What Christine loves about the terroir is the four distinct terroirs on the property, which give each cuvee a specific character.

Christine poured wine with the help of her university-aged daughter, now gearing up to increase her activity in the winery.

AOP Picpoul de Pinet

The White Wine of the AOP Picpoul de Pinet

Picpoul de Pinet is one of the very few Languedoc appellations dedicated solely to white wine production.

The appellation has taken the name of its Picpoul de Pinet grape. The grape itself is light and refreshing, with bracing acidity.

Delicious and affordable, the grape is a great alternative to the higher-priced Chablis, and drier than a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Picpoul de Pinet is a great accompaniment to oysters and all shellfish.

AOP Picpoul de Pinet

Producers of Picpoul de Pinet

Domaine de Petit Roubié – vin hérault Pinet (petit-roubie.com) was the venue for a tasting of the wines of local producers.

Noted producers included family wineries Felines-Jourdan, Domaine Reine Juliette | wine estate in Languedoc, and the cooperative L’ormarine, https://www.cave-ormarine.com/ and

http://www.felines-jourdan.com/ 

Enjoying Pinot on a Boat – with Oysters!

The tasting continued with TOUR ON THE Bassin de Thau on board the boat Le Mansathau.

Bienvenue sur le Mansathau – Promenades sur l’Etang de Thau – Le bateau

Though a 20-seat sailing catamaran, the boat had a certain luxury. Especially when ultra-fresh oysters and Picpoul de Pinot are involved.

While sipping wine, one could see the oyster and mussel beds, and the workers tending them.

 Final Thoughts

The variety of terroir in Saint Chinian and Picpoul de Pinot are just a few examples of why the Languedoc is a “must visit” on your next trip to France.

Related Languedoc Articles

Chateau Castigno 

A Guide to the Languedoc 

Faugeres AOP

Intuitive Wine Tasting in the Languedoc

The post Unique Languedoc Wine Regions appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

Faugères AOP Wine Region in the Languedoc

When you think of the word “Faugères” what image comes to mind?

While you may not find an exact translation from the French language, the name (perhaps to me only) presents an image of a fawn sipping water by a bubbling brook.

Romantic, I know.

Yet visit this beautiful area in the Languedoc region of France. When you walk through the many vineyards, you will understand why it is one of the more important wine regions.

Faugères AOP: Mountains. Hills. Windmills.

Like the images evoked from its name, this bucolic region is all about soaring mountains, rolling hills, and mills because of its iconic winds.

In this brief introduction to the Faugères AOP, I’d like to introduce the style of its mostly red wines and why they are the best value today.

What is the Faugères AOP?

Faugères AOP is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon area of Southern France.

Though the Faugères AOP region is known mostly for its red wine, you will find gastronomic white wines and delicious rosé wines too.

If you love ancient castles dating from the 12^th century, iron-age stone huts to shelter shepherds and vignerons from ancient days, and natural beauty – the Faugères AOP is your place.

You will find quaint accommodations and restaurants in Faugères. Yet if you are not used to the quiet French countryside, you might prefer to spend the night in nearby Montpellier,  known for Michelin restaurants and hotels.

Why the Wine of Faugères AOP is Important

Faugères AOP is one of the most highly regarded quality-wine regions in the Languedoc.

One short explanation is because of its unique, nearly 100% schist soil. Also its gently sloping vineyards. Both of these elements help vignerons produce superior grapes that lend to the most delicious wine.

The Faugères appellation also features a tightly controlled governing body mandating an assortment of rules. Abiding by these quality-control rules are necessary if producers / vignerons are to put the Faugères designation on the label.

This is the key reason why when you see the Faugères AOP on a wine bottle, you know you are purchasing a quality wine –usually for a very affordable price.

More About the Faugères AOP Wine

This area is famous for its rich, ripe red wine made from classic Rhone Valley varieties. They include Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and the Mediterranean grapes Cinsault with some Llodoner Pelut.

The hills of Faugères provide protection from cold winds so it is a classic Mediterranean climate.

The Producers of Faugères AOP

During my brief visit, I met with many chateau owners of the region.

The meeting took place at the cooperative in Faugères. Welcoming me with enthusiasm were small producers who used the cooperative winemaking facilities to make and age their wines.

This is an ancient practice all over the Old World to share winemaking information, and the expense of winemaking tools and tanks.    

During harvest, one can see grape growers bring their grapes to the cooperative. Then watch as the grapes tumble into the tank.

Jamie Goode, a respected author and wine critic, shot this video on YouTube.com – here is the link with many thanks.

At The Faugures AOP Cooperative

The vignerons (grape growers) get paid on the basis of the quality of their fruit. Machines measure the grapes for quality upon arrival utilizing a complex measurement system.

The cooperative itself was built in 1953 and retains its old-world characteristics today. Visitors and local residents can buy the resulting wine from the cooperative at two centers in the area.

During my visit, I tasted the freshly pressed “juice” of the Faugères region.  The next steps of the wine processing system would be alcoholic fermentation of the must (grape juice) then maturation of the wine in stainless steel, wood, or cement.

Dinner at a Faugères Chateau

Domaine Ollier Taillefer 

Domaine Ollier-Taillefer is a family estate in the north-eastern part of the AOC Faugères appellation.

This domaine was kind enough to invite me for a dinner of wild boar, personally shot by the owner.

In addition to Domaine Ollier Taillerfer’s warm hospitality and delicious food, wines from other producers in the region were served in a tasting and at dinner.

Domaine Ollier Taillerfer got its start in 1977 when the family sold the “first bottle” produced on the estate.

Previous to that time, the family made wine but it was often sold in bulk, not bottled under their own individual name.

At that time, Faugères wines were only VDQS (“vin délimité de qualité supérieure”). AOC (“appellation d’origine contrôlée”) status was achieved in 1982 (decree of 5 May).  

Domaine Ollier Taillerfer Today

Today the estate is run by Luc and Françoise Ollier, brother and sister. They represent the 5th generation of locally-born wine-makers and are  responsible for their family’s 36 hectares of AOC Faugères vineyards. 

In 2020, Florent Ollier, Luc’s youngest son, joined the estate and became a partner with his father and aunt.

The story continues…

Final Thoughts About Faugères

This beautiful region is easily accessible from the major city of Montpellier (link) and also from almost any city in the Languedoc.

Wine of Faugères is one of the most elegant of the Languedoc, partly due to the famous schist soil.

If you visit, note that you will need a car, because distances are very far apart.

But even if you do not physically visit Faugères, you will enjoy the wine of this excellent region, accessible from virtually every market. 

Related Languedoc Articles

Chateau Castigno Hotel Information

A Guide to the Languedoc 

Faugeres

Unique Wine Regions of the Languedoc

The post Faugeres AOP, France appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.