Another consistently good Trader Joe's pick, the Pontificis GSM. 45% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre from several different areas in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. This includes Tautavel (Grenache and Syrah), the Herault Plain (Syrah), Puicheric which … [Read more...]
The Best Languedoc Wines
The Languedoc (pronounced “long-dock”) region lies in southern France next to the Mediterranean Sea. This perpetually sunny wine region (as in 320 days of sunshine a year) is the largest in the country containing about 25% of the total vineyard land (and 30% of France’s organic agriculture).
80% of the production here is red — mostly Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan. However, you’ll also find excellent rosé (Provence quality at a lower price), whites made from the Picpoul grape (along with varieties like Bourboulenc, Clairette, Muscat, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Vermentino) and even sparkling wine. In fact, Limoux in the southwest of the Languedoc is the original home of sparkling wine even predating Champagne and offers great value.
With 30 different appellations in the region each is influenced in varying degrees by the mountains, the sea, the sun and the wind. In addition, local regulations allow for a good degree of experimentation which enables winemakers to be creative. This means that there is tremendous variety in the types of styles of wines grown here. Add in the fact that most have a price point of $25 or less and it’s easy to see why imports to the US have grown by 194% (in volume) from 2009-2015!
Read on for our list of The Best Languedoc Wines!
Maison Barboulot Cabernet-Syrah – Full-Blown Delicious
A simply satisfying and super ripe table wine that will have you dreaming of your next European vacation, the Trader Joe's Maison Barboulot Cabernet-Syrah. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah from the Languedoc in the South of France. The wine is fermented in concrete … [Read more...]
Department 66 D66 Others - Dark, Inky, Delicious Grenache Goodness
A beautiful, but high alcohol blend (at an great Costco price) from the Cotes Catalanes appellation in Southern France near Spain, the Department 66 Wines "D66" Others from Dave Phinney. Primarily Grenache along with Syrah and Carignan from vines up to 65 years of age in … [Read more...]
Hampton Water Rosé - Good Medicine
Bon Jovi plus Gerard Bertrand equals a delicious dry rosé? We review the Hampton Water Rosé, available widely including at many Costco locations. A rosé blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 15% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah from Languedoc, France. A portion of the wine is aged … [Read more...]
Le Fat Bastard Chardonnay - Just Right
Surprisingly balanced and light on its feet, we review Le Fat Bastard Chardonnay. 100% Chardonnay from Languedoc, France. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation and just a portion is aged in oak. It has just 0.39 g/L residual sugar and is vegan friendly. … [Read more...]
INSIDER DEAL! Sanssouci Le Rouge Red Blend - A No Brainer
THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. It's a Bulk Buy rated French red blend priced low enough (just $10.83 a bottle) to be a daily drinker! The Sanssouci Le Rouge Red … [Read more...]
INSIDER DEAL! Mas de Lunes e6-g Gres de Montpellier - Lovely
THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW SOLD OUT! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. A delicious 90 point Languedoc red blend, the Mas de Lunes e6-g Gres de Montpellier from Vignobles JeanJean. We've got a … [Read more...]
Foncalieu Petit Paradis Saint Chinian - Easy
An easy drinking white blend from the Languedoc, the Foncalieu Petit Paradis Saint Chinian. 60% Grenache Blanc, 20% Marsanne and 20% Vermentino from the Saint Chinian appellation in Languedoc, France. The Vermentino was aged 6 months in French oak barrels while the … [Read more...]
M Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila Haut Pays d'Oc Rosé - Dry and Lively
$10 well spent, the Les Vignes de Bila Haut Pays d'Oc Rosé from Michel Chapoutier. 60% Grenache and 40% Cinsault rosé from Languedoc, France. The wine is aged in stainless steel. … [Read more...]
Domaine de Bila-Haut L'Esquerda - Super
Savory, meaty and downright delicious, the Domaine de Bila-Haut L'Esquerda Cotes-du-Roussillon Villages from Michel Chapoutier. Mainly Syrah with Grenache and Carignan from the L'Esquerda commune in the Agly Valley, Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. The wine is aged … [Read more...]
INSIDER DEAL! Aimery 1531 Cremant de Limoux Brut
THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Save $67 on this fresh, crisp and tasty sparkler with multiple 90 point ratings, the Aimery 1531 Cremant de Limoux Brut. The … [Read more...]
INSIDER DEAL! Jean Babou Elegance Blanquette de Limoux Brut
THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. A solid little sparkler 50% off for 1 day, the Jean Babou Elegance Blanquette de Limoux Brut. One for the bubbly lovers today! … [Read more...]
Chateau l'Hospitalet Grand Vin Rouge - Good Medicine
A fabulous, meaty, French wine for a Saturday Splurge, the Chateau l'Hospitalet Grand Vin Rouge from Gerard Bertrand. A blend of organically grown Syrah (60%), Grenache (30%) and Mourvedre (10%) from the La Clape appellation in the Languedoc region of France. The wine is … [Read more...]
Department D66 Grenache - Big Grenache Goodness
When we say big we mean BIG, the Department D66 Grenache by Dave Phinney of Orin Swift Cellars at an amazing Costco price. 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Carignan mostly from 60 plus year-old vines in Cotes Catalanes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. The wine is aged in 30% … [Read more...]
Pontificis Viognier Roussanne Marsanne - Simple and Good
Trader Joe's delivers a Rhone-style white blend for everyone, the Pontificis Viognier Roussanne Marsanne Pays d'Oc IGP. 55% Viognier, 35% Roussanne and 10% Marsanne from Languedoc-Roussillon, France. … [Read more...]
Hecht & Bannier Languedoc Rouge - Authentically Tasty
Despite the low cost, there's nothing manufactured about the Hecht & Bannier Languedoc Red made from organically grown grapes. 60% Syrah from Saint Chinian and Terraces du Larzac in the Languedoc plus 25% Grenache and 15% Carignan from Vallee de l'Agly in Roussillon … [Read more...]
Bellula Chardonnay - Commendable
Crowd pleasing unoaked Chardonnay from the Languedoc, the Bellula Chardonnay. 100% Chardonnay from around Beziers in the center of the Languedoc region in France. The wine is aged for 7 months in stainless steel tanks. … [Read more...]
Benjamin Darnault Picpoul de Pinet - An Easy Quaffer from Naked Wines
Another little known variety that brings big value, the Benjamin Darnault Picpoul de Pinet Dry. Picpoul (pronounced "Peek-pool") from Languedoc, France. The wine does not spend time in oak and is vegan-friendly. The name Picpoul literally translates as "stings the lips" … [Read more...]
Gerard Bertrand Minervois - A Mosaic of Mouthwatering Flavors
A combination of two under-appreciated grapes that is not to be missed! The Bulk Buy rated Gerard Bertrand Minervois. 60% Syrah and 40% Carignan from Minervois, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. A portion of the wine is aged in 225L Bordeaux barrels for 8 months. … [Read more...]
Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem - A Hidden Gem Revealed
Checking out the latest vintage of a lovely wine from the Languedoc, the Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem. 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 20% Carignan from 60 year old vines in Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. The wine is aged … [Read more...]
Celebrate #LanguedocDay!
The official celebration is Friday, May 26 but with wine this good, why wouldn't you celebrate #LanguedocDay every day? If you're like me you may have grown a bit tired of these days meant to celebrate specific wine varieties or regions. After-all celebrating something like … [Read more...]
Chateau de Lascaux Rosé - Really Excellent
The fresh, dry and delicious Chateau de Lascaux Rosé. 40% Cinsault, 30% Syrah and 30% Grenache from Languedoc, France. Made from organic grapes. … [Read more...]
Domaine de Cantagrils Picpoul de Pinet - A Breath of Fresh Air
The Domaine de Cantagrils Picpoul de Pinet, a refreshing example of the signature white variety of the Languedoc. Picpoul from Languedoc, France. … [Read more...]
Chateau Tour Boisee Marielle et Frederique - A Beauty
The Chateau Tour Boisee Marielle et Frederique, our first featured wine in this year's lead up to #LanguedocDay! 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre from Minervois, Languedoc, France. … [Read more...]