The Vineyard Hoppers

The team from Vins du Languedoc AOC invited us along to celebrate their 15th anniversary at the Red Eight Gallery, part of The Royal Exchange in Central London, on Tuesday 20th September.

There was a broad selection of 25+ wines created by the region’s new generation of passionate and innovative winemakers that was presented in the rebellious surroundings of the incredible ‘Banking Banksy Exhibition’. The evening was hosted by the AOC’s newly installed General Director Stéphanie Daumas, who talked us guests through their approach to winemaking and the line-up of wines being poured on  the night.

The Red Eight Gallery describes Banksy as ‘the most controversial, interesting, and talked-about artist in modern history’, which we 100% agree, making it a perfect background for a wine tasting. There was just so much to talk about!

But, the bit you’re really on a wine blog for for… the wines…

As  a young  appellation  carved  in  recent  years  from  the  historic  Coteaux  du  Languedoc AOC, the modern Languedoc AOC is known to wine lovers as being the home of a new  breed of French winemakers who are unafraid to break  from tradition when it comes to wine,  often experimenting with grapes, winemaking techniques and wine styles, and resulting in some  of the most in-demand wine to be found in France and Europe.

Wines of the Languedoc are typified by their unique terroir; in particular by the ‘garrigue’, a type  of  scrubland  unique  to  the  southern  French  region  that  imbues  its  wines  with  distinctive  herbaceous notes. This, along with its subregions’ distinct microclimates and soil types, mean it  has often been thought of as difficult to produce on, a reputation that its modern-day producers  have been happy to prove wrong by producing wines that refined and fruit-forward, but that are  also full of distinctive character, forward-thinking and excellent value.

The region’s best-known wines are red blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, Carignan and  Cinsault, with  the  same grapes  often  being  used  to make  the  region’s much-loved  rosé wines.  Many producers also make white wines  from Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc,  Marsanne, Piquepoul Blanc, Roussanne and Vermentino.

Our two favourites from the evening were the following –
Jardin de Roses 2021 from Domaines Paul Mas, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault in a stunning bottle that would make a wonderful gift. This, for us, is a dreamy summer wine that would suit any outdoor eating situation. With notes of strawberry, raspberry and grapefruit, this wine would be a great pair for fish or a light pasta; dining al fresco! The estimated retail price is £14.

Clos des Lièvres 2019 from Mas Gabriel, a blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache Noir. This bold red wine is every so slightly more dry than it is sweet with hints of tannins too. Being aged in French oak for 12 months, you won’t be shocked by some of the flavours being oaky, alongside black cherries and blackcurrants. The estimated retail price is £21.

This event really opened our eyes up to the vast array of wines available from the Languedoc region; one we will now be ordering if we spot on a menu!