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Summary
Languedoc is a wine region on the move.
Sure, it’s a huge region with plenty of history, some of it troubled.
But there are things happening in Languedoc wine now that are innovative, surprising, intriguing and…well, delicious.
In short, it’s well worthy of our attention.
In this episode, sponsored by AOP Languedoc, we chat to writers Rupert Millar and Rosemary George MW, and we also hear from wine growers Benoît Bertrand (Domaine de Malavieille) and Jenia Vermillard (Domaine Ampelhus).
We hear of ambitious attempts to revive long lost grape varieties from the verge of extinction, and ingenious solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.
We explore the region’s renown for good value in its wines, consider its historic ups and downs, and look to what the future might hold.
Along the way we somehow feature feather boas, Lithuania, a stray dog, the Romans, shrinking pains, finishing school, architecture, Assyrtiko, violins, agroforestry and ratatouille.
Oh, and a love story.
Starring
- Rupert Millar
- Rosemary George MW
- Benoît Bertrand, Domaine de Malavieille
- Jenia Vermillard, Domaine Ampelhus
- Susie & Peter
Links
- As well as thanking Rupert, Rosemary, Benoît and Jenia, we’d like to acknowledge the help and input of wine writer and Languedoc expert Natalie Earl in our research.
- The books we reference in this episode are: The Oxford Companion to Wine (5th edition), The World Atlas of Wine (8th edition), Adventures on the Wine Route (25th anniversary edition) and The New France.
- You can find our podcast on all major audio players: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon and beyond. The button below will redirect you automatically to this episode on an audio platform on your device.
Wines
The following are all AOP Languedoc wines we tasted in November 2023.
Click on the wine name for the Wine Searcher link to find where you can buy this wine around the world. Selected UK stockists are included where appropriate – often with the best price available:
- Chateau de Lascaux Garrigue Blanc 2021, 13% (£20.20, Somerset Wine Co)
- Paul Mas Jardin de Roses Traviata rosé 2022, 12.5% (£13.99, Waitrose)
- Bergerie du Capucin Les 100 Pas du Berger Rouge 2020 , 13.5% (c £16)
- Domaine de Roquemale Les Grés 2020, 13.5% (c £20-22, independents)
- Domaine Ampelhus Languedoc Grés de Montpellier 2022, 13.5% (€16 ex domaine)
- Clos des Nines L’Orée 2020, 14% (£22, Davy’s)
- Domaine Les Aurelles Solen 2000, 14.5% (n/a)
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