Castelmaure Col des Vents Corbieres

California doesn’t make sub-$10 red blends like the Castelmaure Col des Vents Corbieres.

50% Carignan, 35% Grenache and 15% Syrah from Corbieres, Languedoc, France.

This review is brought to you by L’Aventure Languedoc – Celebrate #LanguedocDay May 27, 2016!

The Castelmaure Col des Vents Corbieres has an SRP of $12 and is available for as low as $9. Imported by Kysela Pere et Fils, LTD. Sample submitted for review.

From the importer:

Brambly berry, cherry and raspberry, spices, black pepper … all are present in this authentic French country wine. There are also some aromas of Garrigue (Rosemary, thyme and lavender) giving a minty, herbal notes, that are quite refreshing as well.

The wine is a perfect match with a nice rosemary marinated roasted lamb.

13.5% Alcohol

As we continue our march to #LanguedocDay on May 27th, we’ve gone from a meaty Syrah to a soothing, savory red blend to a lip-stingingly good Picpoul. Today we go to a red blend that offers an extreme amount of value.

The 2012 Castelmaure Col des Vents Corbieres begins with quite a captivating garrigue-infused aroma of red berry, plum, spice and mint. Taking a sip reveals a smooth, balanced, medium-bodied wine that is sure to please. Black cherry, plum, spice and black pepper flavors are all well-integrated and offer a lot more intrigue than your average sub-$10 red blend. It ends dry, fruity and long with more black pepper, spice, and lingering herbal notes. Far from being a “manufactured” wine which you often find at this price point in other regions, this is an authentically good Languedoc red blend.

See all of our recommended wines from the Languedoc here.

See a listing of local retailers selling the Castelmaure Col des Vents Corbieres here.