Coteaux du langoureux
Despite what SAQ.com and the Quebec agent indicate, the Coteaux du Languedoc AOC no longer exists, having been replaced in 2007 by the Languedoc AOC (to smooth the transition, wines were allowed to be labelled Coteaux du Languedoc until May 3, 2012).
Languedoc 2013, Château de Cazeneuve ($23.55, 11853439)
Roussanne (40%), Viognier (35%), Grenache Blanc (15%), Muscat (5%) and Rolle (aka Vermentino, 5%) from organically farmed vines averaging 15 years old. Each variety is vinified separately. The fruit is manually harvested, then sorted, destemmed and pressed. Low-temperature fermentation with indigenous yeasts takes place in gravity-fed cement tanks. After blending, the wine is matured on the lees for 10 months, half in oak barrels (15% new) and half in stainless steel tanks. 14.5% ABV. Quebec agent: Vins Balthazard.
Soft, sunny, languorously fragrant nose: yellow fruit, honey, honeysuckle, white spice, background minerals. Round and smooth in the mouth, lush but not heavy, due to the restrained fruit (definite pear) and sustained acidity. More minerally than expected, especially on the long bitter-edged, alcoholic – but not hot – finish. Seems sec-tendre (off-off-dry) on entry but is actually very dry. The next day, the tail end of the bottle showed some nectarine and had gained a waxy texture. Made an excellent pairing for cedar-planked salmon topped with a glaze of whole-grain mustard, chopped fresh rosemary, lemon zest, olive oil, honey and red chile. (Buy again? Yes.)
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