Category Archives: Languedoc-Roussillon

2009 Clos Centeilles Minervois Carignanissime de Centeilles

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2009 Carignanissime de Centeilles

This is a 100% Carignan wine from Languedoc-Roussillon. At first I noticed was the deep, dark ruby color. It shows why this grape is often times blended with more desirable varietals for color purposes. The nose filled the glass and was very enjoyable: ripe cherries, plums, blackberries, fresh soil, and a hint of spice I’d more traditionally associate with Rhone. On the palate it wasn’t as in depth as the nose but the same flavors through with little tannins getting in the way. This is not a fruit bomb but there is a pleasant amount of fruit flavor. Judging by the color I would have expected a deep and earthy wine but it was surprisingly refreshing and light. It really went well with our dinner: bacon cheeseburgers with colby jack cheese. I was pleasantly surprised with this wine, I plan on picking up a few more bottles…it was very affordable at $20 ish. They aren’t easy to find but I’m looking forward to trying more wines featuring Carignan as the main varietal.

2011 Saint-Peyre Picpoul

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Here we have a 2011 Picpoul from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. Picpoul is a white grape that is typically grown in southern France in the Rhone Valley and Languedoc-Roussilon regions. It’s name literally means “stings the lip” which makes sense because the picpoul grape is naturally very acidic. I like to think of picpoul as an aperitif wine, it’s too light to stand up to a big meal. I find it goes well with things like cheese and crackers or gougere. Another good thing about picpoul is it’s extremely cheap. You should never be paying more than $10-12 for a good bottle. If you’re looking for a light white to start an evening a picpoul may be a great choice. As you can see in the picture we enjoyed this bottle with some nice honey goat cheese and crackers along with some company.

MobyGrape: 75. Despite being incredibly fun to say, this wine was meh.
It was fine with the appetizers we had and a great way to start the
night, but otherwise it didn’t do a whole lot for me.

colonelgrape: 84. I agree with Moby that there isn’t much to this wine but that’s what picpoul is…it’s a nice way to start the night with a light, crisp, and refreshing wine. There isn’t going to be a whole lot of flavor but some nice acidity and mild fruit notes will get your palate going. For what it is…and costing $10…I think this was a good example of the grape. I wouldn’t do a whole bottle for two people…it would be better to share with a group and everyone has a small glass. I don’t think I could ever give a picpoul anything higher than an 85 though, there just isn’t enough to talk about.