If I had to nominate two French wine regions where value for money examples abound, Languedoc and South West France would probably head my list.
No surprise then that these regions are the source of both today’s Top Tips.
One is a nicely crafted red from Majestic made by a skilled Languedoc winemaker.
It provides a well-priced version of that classic Rhone Valley blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre.
Meanwhile, its companion white helps cement South West France’s growing reputation for white wines that rival the freshness and verve of those from New Zealand.
Often, however, their versions dial down acidity levels slightly but do so without diminishing the wine’s overall attractiveness.
Whatever the details, both today’s choices offer tasty, great value options that I fancy many subscribers will enjoy.
Images and hyperlinks should help you to find them in crowded displays
So, off to South West France first
Colombard gets plenty of use as a southern hemisphere blending partner, but I still think that Southwest France gets the best from this variety.
In this example from Gascony, colombard teams up with sauvignon blanc to provide fresh, grassy, easy drinking white wine with a slightly short finish.
In 2021 Les Collines De Luzanet, Colombard Sauvignon Blanc (£5.99 – instead of £7.99 until 30 August – at Waitrose and 11% abv) it seems to help keep sauvignon’s assertive acidity nicely in check.
Nevertheless, the finished wine still delivers lively and zingy lemon, lime and elderflower flavours.
Then Head East a Bit
Next up is a punchy GSM blend from Jean-Claude Mas where almost two thirds of its content has been aged in stainless steel.
That helps to enhance the freshness of the final wine with the rest spending four months in oak to create a smooth texture.
Soft and slightly nutty, 2020 Cȏté Mas AOP Languedoc Rouge (from £7.99 at Majestic and 14%) exhibits smooth yet rich plum and raspberry fruit supported by good acidity but limited tannin.
Its background flavours combine suggestions of coffee, lavender, allspice and black pepper all built into a well-balanced, medium bodied texture.
Do drop by again on Thursday for our regular look at what supermarket promotions are in place and what to buy as Sunday Best options and your Friday Night treat.
2 responses
Two great recommendations here Brian. Don’t know whether I’m unusual (or unsophisticated?) but I prefer the cheaper Côtes de Gascogne whites to NZ offerings such as Yealands. And fortunately, in the case of your CdG recommendation this week I live about 200m away from Waitrose!
“200m from Waitrose” must be a dream headline for Estate Agents! As for Gascogne, nothing unsophisticated in preferring wines from thereabouts. I think that the way South West France blends international varieties with local options (like gros and petit manseng) can give their white wines appreciable extra depth and complexity.