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After too much sun and rum in the Bahamas, it’s time to get back to work and plan this Friday’s flight. I can’t thank Kate, Brian, Emily and Margo enough for helping out this past week so I could be with the family to celebrate my in-laws 50th anniversary! A rep stopped by the store a few weeks ago to show me some new wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon that I was absolutely smitten with. So I am excited to share these with you all for the next Friday Flight. The Château Massiac has a long history that dates back to the Roman Empire when this area was colonized by the Romans using the nearby Mediterranean port (30 kilometers) of Narbonne as an access point. In the 17th Century, two brothers from Massiac in the Auvergne region traversed the area in service to the King of Spain and eventually settled at this spot situated almost precisely halfway between the clock towers of the villages of Azille and Rieux Minervois. During the French Revolution, the “chateau” was burned to the ground. Messiac Minervois Sauvignon Blanc 2023 $15 A crisp, dry white wine with distinct Sauvignon Blanc varietal character. With aromas of citrus, white peach and green pear, this wine is made from organic grapes. When Jean-François, driven by a passion for vines and wine, took over the estate from his grandfather Fernand Cadène in 1988, he and his wife Laurence decided to convert the estate into a private winery: Domaine Rière-Cadène was created in 1994. Since then, Jean-François and his wife Laurence have harvested and vinified their wines with the utmost respect for the terroir (sustainable agriculture), while managing their business in a dynamic way. Thanks to their know-how, they are constantly evolving towards optimum quality. Their wines are highly aromatic, remarkably fruity, fine and elegant. Domaine Riere Cotes Roussillon Garbinet $18 is a plot selection of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache. Aromas of red fruits, blackberry and spices. On the palate, round and supple with silky tannins and freshness. Faillenc Sainte Marie is a small property, with only eight hectares of vineyards stubbornly clinging to the rocky foothills of Mont Alaric. The vineyards are buffeted by the northerwesterly Tramontane wind which blows over Alaric and by the southerly Autan breezes coming off the nearby Mediterranean, creating an extremely dry climate. Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Cinsault are the red grape varieties raised here. A small vineyard (1 hectare) is devoted to white grapes: Roussanne, Macabeu, Bourboulenc and Clairette. The terroir is composed of inhospitable, rocky limestone terraces. Only vines, olive trees and some scraggly brush survive under these harsh conditions. Domaine Faillenc Corbieres Sainte-Marie 2021 $19 (Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault) is a wine with enormous character often showing a rustic, somewhat “garrigue” aspect married to a vivacious wild berry symphony of aromas and flavors. The Domaine Rière Cadène, Côtes Catalanes Lledoner Pelut 2021 $23 is 100% Lledoner Pelut. The variety is thought to be a mutation of Grenache Noir. Pelut means “furry” in French, and refers to the downy character of the vine leaves. As with rosemary and other Mediterranean plants, this seems to have evolved to allow the vine to conserve moisture in the heat. This wine is vivacious and full of fresh-picked blackberry energy, with spice and perfect balance. Grilling wine if there ever was one! Serve with a slight chill! Nestled in the tiny village of Lansac, Loïc Roure is a young vigneron balancing terroir and drinkability. In 2003, Loïc scrapped his initial plan of opening a restaurant/winebar/retailer, deciding instead to start his own estate, Domaine du Possible. Starting out with some vines in Latour de France, he soon expanded with land closer to Lansac. He also recently purchased 4 hectares in Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes, which produce the Fruit du Hazard cuvée. Loïc now finds himself with 10.5 hectares spread over many parcels and communes (but all falling under the Côtes du Roussillon A.O.C). Loïc principally grows Carignan and Grenache, but also has a bit Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Gris and Macabeu, all grown organically. The types of soil vary, but are mainly composed of clay and limestone or schists. The wines are meant to be fresh, bright and easy-to-drink; extraction and alcohol remain low, instead the focus is on fruit, minerality and acidity. The Possible “Fruit Hasard” 2022 $24 is a blend of Carrignan and Syrah. On the palate, expect notes of red berries, spices, and a lively acidity, making it approachable and perfect for various pairings, from grilled meats to Mediterranean dishes. The Domaine Rostaing- Puech Noble Puech Noble Blanc 2023 $29 is A blend of Vermentino, Grenache Blanc, and Viognier. The Puech Noble Blanc is a juicy, citrus, pear, and honeysuckle-scented white that’s medium-bodied, nicely balanced and has a clean, dry finish. It’s going to be versatile on the dinner table. Made from 70% Syrah and 30% Mourvèdre, this great little red from Pierre Rostaing’s venture in the Languedoc has a gorgeous nose of red cherry laced with cranberry. The aromas are succulent, ripe and fine. The palate is really enticing with such depth. There are beautiful layers of more red cherries and cranberries, along with an almost Jazz apple-like refreshment. Gentle blackberry hints add softness to the flavours. Domaine Rostaing- Puech Noble Puech Noble “Vassal” Rouge ***Next Wednesday the 23rd my Friend, Jacob Lee from Vineyard Brands Imports, will be pouring 7 wines from his portfolio from 5 to 7pm. We are still working out the details, but the focus will be Italy, France and Austria. Did I mention it’s free? VINO HOURS: Tuesday 11:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday 11:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday 11:00 – 7:00 PM Friday 11:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday 11:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday 1:00 – 7:00 PM Monday closed Scott Love Vino Wine Shop (503) 816-6224 vinoshoppdx@gmail Follow us on Instagram |
