Les Verrieres Coteaux du Languedoc 2006

Today we continue our look at the greater Languedoc-Roussillon region of France with a wine from the Coteaux du Langudoc. Coteaux du Languedoc is the 2nd largest AOC in the region, and rather than being one contiguous area, the classified growing areas are a number of separate areas scattered throughout a large portion of the Languedoc-Roussillon area. The terroir is varied and ranges from maritime to mountainside depending on how far inland you are. Close to 90% of the over 55 million bottled produced annually in this region are made from red wine grapes, with the main varietals being Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, with Carignan and Cinsault also being allowed by the AOC. It is also important to note that the area has only had AOC status for 25 years, and the area anticipates having many additional AOCs in the future as the growers and winemakers find out more about each of the many microclimates in the region.

Made from 45% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 20% Carignan, and 5% Cinsault, Les Verrieres Coteaux du Languedoc 2006 is deep red in color in your glass. The bouquet is loaded with blackberry and cherry fruit and has elements of garrigue much like many of the great wines of the neighboring Rhone Valley. There is also a hint of pepper on the nose. In your mouth, blackberry fruit dominates along with some mild, well integrated tannins. On the finish there is some subtle earthiness, and that finish lingers quietly on the palate for quite some time. Its also important to note that this is one of those wines that just opens up and gets better and better the longer its open and decanted.

Overall, this is a very good wine that delivers big time on value at a price that is just over $12. This would pair very nicely with a grilled steak or any summertime barbecue fare.

Cheers!