MMOCT17 thewinesociety.com/languedoc

A TAST E O FLANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLONUNBEATABLE

VALUEFROM THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

Saint-Chély-du-Tarn, Cévennes National Park

A TASTE OF LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON:UNBEATABLE VALUE FROM THE SOUTH OF FRANCE The Languedoc-Roussillon is a region that is central to what The Wine Society does: we work closely with 50 different producers, building lasting relationships, and constantly find that this region is simply unrivalled when it comes to good-value wines. I visit several times a year to search out new treasures from producers at the top of their game as well as rising stars, often working with smaller, independent growers involved at every stage, from the vineyard to the cellars and beyond.

Over 20 producers are represented in this offer. Many of the wines are already firm favourites with members while others, like Jean-Michel Alquier’s fine Faugères or the gorgeous chenin blanc from Domaine Rives-Blanques in Limoux, deserve to be better known. There’s a wealth of different grape varieties in the Languedoc; some are true locals, such as carignan, grenache blanc and macabeu, while others, like syrah and viognier are happy immigrants which have earned their place here. There are certainly plenty of gems to discover in this offer, and the five mixed cases I’ve put together give a real flavour of the Languedoc-Roussillon’s incredible diversity. Enjoy!

Marcel Orford-Williams South of France buyer

2 To order thewinesociety.com/languedoc 01438 741177

WINE RACK ESSENTIALS A selection of great-value, quaffable wines, including many members’ favourites. These are everyday wines at their best.

THE REDSDomaine Laborie, Pays d’Oc 2016Full of deliciously ripe and brambly fruit, this Languedoc blend of grenache, carignan and syrah comes from between Minervois and Saint-Chinian, and has long been a go-to red for members because its flavour, price and quality strike just the right note time and time again. 12.5%

ref MM-FC32121 £5.95 bottle £71 dozen

Domaine de Gournier Cévennes Rouge 2016A deliciously dark, full-flavoured and fruity country red from the area behind Uzès in the Cévennes. Terrific concentration and Rhône-like flavours at a keen price – especially as the nights draw in and stews and casseroles make their way back onto the menu. 14%

ref MM-FC33061 £6.75 bottle £81 dozen

Pinot Noir, Pays d’Oc, Jacques Dépagneux 2016The Aude Valley, upstream from Carcassonne, is cool enough for pinot noir to thrive. This is a gorgeous, fruity example, vibrant and full of cherry and plum flavours. 13.5%

ref MM-FC31941 £6.75 bottle £81 dozen

Terre de Mes Ancêtres, Cité de Carcassonne 2016This delightfully fruity cabernet-merlot blend comes from outside the medieval walled city of Carcassonne in the Languedoc. Its clean, fruity flavours make it perfect for enjoying on its own. 13.5%

ref MM-FC32171 £6.75 bottle £81 dozen

Merlot, Domaine du Bosc 20162016 was a lovely vintage throughout France, and this shows plenty of ripe fruit flavours without being heavy. Round enough to give enjoyment on its own or with a simple supper of lamb chops. 13%

ref MM-FC32451 £6.75 bottle £81 dozen

Syrah-Mourvèdre Côtes de Thongue, Domaine La Condamine L’Evêque 2016Knowing what to plant is one thing, but selecting the right vine stock can make even more of a difference. Here the Bascou family chose superb cuttings of the syrah grape from the northern Rhône. The result is a dark, fragrant and savoury wine, with a little mourvèdre for added depth and spice. 12.5%

ref MM-FC32441 £6.75 bottle £81 dozen

PYRÉNÉES-ORIENTALES

AUDE

HÉRAULT

LOZÈRE

GARD

Rhône

Mediterranean Sea

Nîmes

SPAIN

Carcassonne

Montpellier

VIVARAIS

LIRACTAVEL

CABARDÈS

MINERVOIS

FITOU

CORBIÈRES

CORBIÈRESBOUTENAC

LIMOUX

FAUGÈRES

COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES

LA CLAPE

PICSAINT-LOUP

MONTPEYROUX

SAINT-CHINIAN

BÉZIERS

CÔTES DUROUSSILLON

VILLAGES

FITOU

ALCÔTES DU

ROUSSILLON

Perpignan

PICPOULDE PINET

MAURYMAURY

MALEPÈRE

01438 740222TO ORDERTHEWINESOCIETY.COM/USA

01438 741177THEWINESOCIETY.COM/SWFRANCE

FIVE MIXED CASES

THREE MIXED CASES

3

Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Chapelle de Péna 2015Another member favourite from the same supplier as our French Full Red. Here syrah is the dominant grape, sourced from better vineyards with a higher percentage of older vines, but still planted on the typical black schist soils of the Agly Valley. This is full-bodied with flavours of plum, herbs and spices. 14.5%

ref MM-FC33021 £7.25 bottle £87 dozen

Cabernet Franc, L’Orangeraie Réserve 2016Gorgeous raspberry fruit flavours burst forth in this cabernet franc from the famous Pennautier estate near Carcassonne. A tempting match for gammon or slow-roasted pork belly. 12.5%

ref MM-FC33231 £7.50 bottle £90 dozen

Syrah-Viognier, Pays d’Oc, Lorgeril 2015In Côte-Rôtie, a little viognier is sometimes added to syrah for extra fragrance and complexity, and that formula has worked equally well here. This is fleshy, ripe and full-flavoured – and a steal at the price. 14.5% The 2016 follows

ref MM-FC30641£7.50 bottle £90 dozen

The Society’s Corbières 2015This is a deliciously fruity and full-bodied red from the best-known appellation in the Languedoc, made by the talented Pierre Bories from in-form Ollieux-Romanis. 2015 was an outstanding vintage throughout southern France making this popular Society-label red even better value. 14.5%

ref MM-FC31511 £7.95 bottle £95 dozen

Minervois, Château Sainte Eulalie 2016Full, dark and ripe but with a lovely seam of freshness that the Coustal family get from their windswept and relatively cool slopes above La Livinière. Excellent value for money. 13.5%

ref MM-FC32011£7.95 bottle £95 dozen

Domaine de l’Arjolle Equilibre, Merlot-Cabernet, Côtes de Thongue 2015A lovely, ripe and fruity blend of cabernet and merlot with a touch of syrah to bring the two Bordeaux varieties together. Soft, round and well balanced – perfect to sip on autumn evenings. 14%

ref MM-FC32561£7.95 bottle £95 dozen

Saint-Chinian, Château de Ciffre 2016A fruity red from the Languedoc, dark and full-flavoured, with notes of cherry pips and blackberry. This would be a tasty match for midweek comfort food like sausages and beans. 13.5%

ref MM-FC33221£8.25 bottle £99 dozen

THE WHITESLes Pierres Bordes Marsanne-Viognier 2016A marriage of two Rhône grape varieties but here the fruit comes from the Minervois/Saint-Chinian border. This is fresh, round and fruity – and a firm favourite with Society members. 12.5%

ref MM-FC31981 £6.25 bottle £75 dozen

Duo Des Mers, Sauvignon-Viognier Vin de France 2016Singled out by Decanter Magazine as a ‘must-try white’, this is a fragrant, fruity, dry and refreshing everyday blend of sauvignon from Gascony and viognier from the Languedoc. 12%

ref MM-FC31921 £6.50 bottle £78 dozen

The Society’s French Dry White 2016Refreshingly dry and fruity, the 2016 incarnation of this popular wine is dominated by the roussanne grape with chardonnay as its main support. Five other grape varieties make up the rest of this blend, made by the committed father-and-daughter team at Bésinet. 12.5%

ref MM-FC32001 £6.50 bottle £78 dozen

Pèlerin Blanc, Pays de Caux, Chartreuse de Mougères 2016This fragrant, dry and refreshing blend of vermentino and sauvignon, with a touch of muscat and macabeu, is a collaboration between us and Nicolas de Saint-Exupéry. His Mougères vineyard was once occupied by a Roman villa which probably had vines and olive trees growing as it does today. 12.5%

ref MM-FC32031 £6.50 bottle £78 dozen

Viognier, Domaine du Bosc 2016Viognier comes from the Rhône Valley but it has also adapted well in the Languedoc, where it produces typically fragrant and full-flavoured wines. This is a textbook example; exotic, peachy and rich, and as enjoyable with a plate of ham and melon as it is on its own. 13.5%

ref MM-FC32461 £7.25 bottle £87 dozen

Chardonnay, Domaine de Pennautier 2016Chardonnay is a versatile, adaptable grape the world over and the Languedoc is no exception. This lovely, clean and fruity example from around Carcassonne is made by Pennautier, the outstanding estate in the area. 13%

ref MM-FC32951 £7.75 bottle £93 dozen

Sauvignon de l’Arjolle, Côtes de Thongue 2016A masterclass in sauvignon with both sauvignons blanc and gris used in the blend – the latter adding extra depth and more aroma. This is lovely and fresh with a hint of elderflower – and is light enough to go with a lunchtime sushi feast. 12%

ref MM-FC31701 £7.95 bottle £95 dozen

Picpoul de Pinet, Domaine Félines-Jourdan 2016Picpoul de Pinet, now its own appellation, is one of the best-value whites from the south of France. This example is full-flavoured and dry yet with crisp freshness and a beguiling citrus and herb flavour. Enjoy a glass on its own or with a plate of seafood. 13%

ref MM-FC32601 £8.50 bottle £102 dozen

Domaine La Croix Belle, Le Champ des Lys, Côtes de Thongue 2016This is a deliciously fruity blend of grenache blanc and viognier. Dry but well rounded, and expressing the exotic peachy flavours of viognier, it would be lovely with fresh salmon or monkfish skewers. 13%

ref MM-FC31991 £8.50 bottle £102 dozen

PYRÉNÉES-ORIENTALES

AUDE

HÉRAULT

LOZÈRE

GARD

Rhône

Mediterranean Sea

Nîmes

SPAIN

Carcassonne

Montpellier

VIVARAIS

LIRACTAVEL

CABARDÈS

MINERVOIS

FITOU

CORBIÈRES

CORBIÈRESBOUTENAC

LIMOUX

FAUGÈRES

COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES

LA CLAPE

PICSAINT-LOUP

MONTPEYROUX

SAINT-CHINIAN

BÉZIERS

CÔTES DUROUSSILLON

VILLAGES

FITOU

ALCÔTES DU

ROUSSILLON

Perpignan

PICPOULDE PINET

MAURYMAURY

MALEPÈRE

“ Singled out by Decanter magazine as a ‘must-try white”

Marcel Orford-Williams on Duo Des Mers, Sauvignon-Viognier Vin de France 2016

The beautiful village of Lagrasse in Corbières

4To order thewinesociety.com/languedoc 01438 741177

WHERE A LITTLE MORE MONEY GOES A LONG WAYIn this bountiful corner of France, paying a little more per bottle is almost invariably rewarded. Older vines, lower yields and better-sited vineyards, often on slopes, mean more concentration of flavour and greater intensity. Here is just a snapshot of this region’s more special wines.

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON ESTATES: WHITES, SPARKLING AND FORTIFIED With cooler temperatures, Limoux is ideally suited for the production of white wine, especially sparkling. Some even argue that sparkling wine was made in this region before Champagne, with the first recorded mention of it in the old Benedictine monastery of Saint-Hilaire, dating back to 1531. Historically white grapes were also used for making fortified wines and today these constitute some of the real treasures of the region.

Bourboulenc, Coteaux de Narbonne Domaine de Simonet 2016The bourboulenc grape, possibly of Greek origin, thrives on the hill of La Clape, near Narbonne. Fresh and vibrant, with flashes of lemon and pine, this would be perfect with shellfish, a Greek salad or pitta bread with plenty of taramasalata. 13.5%

ref MM-FC33311 £8.50 bottle £102 dozen

Blanquette de Limoux Méthode Ancestrale, Antech NVA delightful, medium-sweet and effervescent Languedoc white, fermented just once in bottle. Refreshingly light, low in alcohol and with a taste reminiscent of apples, this is perfect with fruit-based desserts such as apple pie as well as lightly spiced canapés. 6.5%

ref MM-SG751 £10.50 bottle £126 dozen

Crémant de Limoux, Cuvée Saint-Laurent, Antech 2015This is a finer version of the standard Blanquette and is based more on chardonnay and chenin blanc grapes. The mousse is refined and the flavours lingering and with some complexity – a lovely sparkler to celebrate a happy occasion, or a luxurious treat to enjoy with a bubble bath! Now to 2019. 12%

ref MM-SG2351 £11.95 bottle £143 dozen

Limoux, Dédicace, Château Rives Blanques 2016 A 100% chenin blanc white from the cool Pyrenean slopes that overlook the Aude Valley near Limoux. Such freshness here and stunning fruit flavours, with hints of peach, delicate oak and honeysuckle. Perfect on its own or with food – perhaps a pre-dinner glass with prawn bruschetta. Now to 2020. 13%

ref MM-FC33081 £12.50 bottle £150 dozen

Mas Gabriel, Clos des Papillons 2015Excellent, dry and flavoursome white made from the relatively rare carignan blanc grape variety. Perfect with oily fish like sardines or a crab and lemon linguine. Now to 2021. 13%

ref MM-FC32501 £13.50 bottle £162 dozen

Domaine Jones Blanc, Grenache Gris, Côtes Catalanes 2015 A lovely, full-flavoured dry white from sun-kissed slopes in the Roussillon, created by Englishwoman Katie Jones, who founded her own domaine in the south of France in 2008. Grenache gris has always been highly praised for its food-friendly grip, and this is herby with just a hint of roundness. Now to 2020. 13.5%

ref MM-FC33281 £14.50 bottle £174 dozen

Rivesaltes Vin Doux Naturel, Parcé Frères 1998A wonderful amber nectar from grenache blanc, grenache gris and macabeu, which has spent 17 years in cask. Very round, sweet, gentle and mellow, this is an excellent cheeseboard companion, but is also delicate enough to go with white chocolate. Now to 2022. 15.5%

ref MM-FC30221 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

Standing sentry over Collioure, the impressive Saint-Elme fortress marks the gateway south

“perfect with apple pie ” Marcel Orford-Williams on Blanquette de Limoux Méthode Ancestrale, Antech NV

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON ESTATES: THE REDSRed wines make up the majority of this region’s production, with the best coming from a small number of appellations, the most famous of which is Corbières. A pool of mostly Rhône grapes, like grenache and syrah as well as carignan produces deeply characterful wines that are definitely worth getting to know better.

Fitou Origines, Domaine Bertrand-Bergé 2015 A mountain Fitou made mainly from carignan, this is strong, full-bodied and richly flavoured, and from one of the top producers in the appellation with a reputation for making wines with finesse. 14.5%

ref MM-FC33321£8.95 bottle £107 dozen

Corbières Rouge, Domaine du Trillol 2014Exceptional quality here from the southern and wildest part of the Corbières where the landscape is dominated by lofty crags and castles. This is created by talented winemaker Ben Sichel of Château Angludet in Margaux. Judicious barrel-ageing makes for a full-bodied red perfect for a rib of beef. Now to 2020. 13.5%

ref MM-FC33251£11.50 bottle £138 dozen

Domaine Jones, Côtes Catalanes Grenache 2014A full-bodied red bursting with ripe, succulent fruit. This comes from Maury in the Roussillon from vines overlooked by the emblematic Château de Quéribus. Perfect with slow-roasted leg of lamb rubbed with sea salt, juniper and bay. Now to 2020. 14.5%. The 2015 follows

ref MM-FC31101£12.50 bottle £150 dozen

Corbières, Cuvée Prestige, Château Ollieux-Romanis 2015Full-flavoured, dark and plummy red, spicy and long with fruit and oak in perfect balance. This is Languedoc at its best and the product of a particularly great vintage. Now to 2025. 14.5%

ref MM-FC33241£12.95 bottle £155 dozen

Minervois La Livinière Cuvée Cantilène, Château Sainte-Eulalie 2015Elegance and refinement are the hallmarks of this top cuvée from an outstanding estate in Minervois. This is dark and fruity with just a touch of oak to add polish and complexity – an especially fine example in the 2015 vintage. Now to 2025. 14%

ref MM-FC33151£13.50 bottle £162 dozen

Faugères Premières, Domaine Alquier 2015Domaine Alquier is the top estate in Faugères making very refined reds from syrah and grenache. This comes from younger vines and is fruity, in a northern Rhône style, so balanced with a touch of spice and black cherry and a long, fine finish. Now to 2021. 14%

ref MM-FC32521£13.95 bottle £167 dozen

Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Tautavel, Clos des Vignes, Domaine Gardiés 2014A full-bodied, barrel-aged and fruity grenache-dominant red from vines grown at high altitude. This is well balanced and round, with flavours of fig, herb and a little spice, and will shine alongside hearty southern French dishes like cassoulet. See my recipe at thewinesociety.com/cassoulet. Now to 2021. 14%

ref MM-FC33191£17 bottle £204 dozen

5 To order thewinesociety.com/languedoc 01438 741177

WHERE A LITTLE MORE MONEY GOES A LONG WAY CONTINUED

MINIMUM PURCHASE APPLIESThewinesociety.com/collect

Harvest time at Château Sainte Eulalie

This offer is open until Sunday 29th October, 2017 while stocks last.

To order thewinesociety.com/languedoc 01438 741177

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON ESSENTIALS WHITESFruity, fragrant and food-friendly whites you can count on, from both recognisable grape varieties, local favourites and refreshing blends. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following:

Duo Des Mers, Sauvignon-Viognier Vin de France 2016Les Pierres Bordes Marsanne-Viognier 2016Pèlerin Blanc Pays de Caux, Chartreuse de Mougères 2016Sauvignon de l’Arjolle, Côtes de Thongue 2016Picpoul de Pinet, Domaine Félines-Jourdan 2016Domaine La Croix Belle, Le Champ des Lys, Côtes de Thongue 2016

ref MM-MX17231

THE SOCIETY’S PROMISEUncork with confidence

The Wine Society is a mutual organisation, so our members’ satisfaction is paramount. If, for any reason, you haven’t enjoyed a wine we want to hear about it and will happily offer a credit, a replacement or a refund. thewinesociety.com/promise

MIXED CASES FREE UK DELIVERY

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON ESSENTIALS REDS Everyday wine rack heroes providing excellent value, perfect to sip and savour with hearty comfort food. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following:

Domaine Laborie, Pays d’Oc 2016Saint-Chinian, Château de Ciffre 2016Pinot Noir, Pays d’Oc, Jacques Dépagneux 2016Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Chapelle de Péna 2015The Society’s Corbières 2015Domaine de Gournier Cévennes Rouge 2016

ref MM-MX17229

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON ESTATE REDS Impressive, deeply characterful reds showing the finer side of the region and giving an enjoyable tour of its better-known appellations. A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following:

Faugères, Premières, Domaine Alquier 2015Minervois La Livinière Cuvée Cantilène, Château Sainte-Eulalie 2015Corbières Rouge, Prestige, Château Ollieux-Romanis 2015Fitou Origines, Domaine Bertrand-Bergé 2015 Corbières Rouge, Domaine du Trillol 2014Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Tautavel, Clos des Vignes, Domaine Gardiés 2014

ref MM-MX17230 £75

£85

£85

Key - Bone dry to intensely sweet Screwcap Synthetic closure White wine Sparkling wine Fortified wine

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON MEMBERS’ FAVOURITES CASEDon’t just take our word for it – these are the bestselling bottles you’ve taken to your hearts and return to over and over again. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following:

REDDomaine Laborie, Pays d’Oc 2016Syrah-Mourvèdre Côtes de Thongue, Domaine La Condamine L’Evêque 2016Minervois, Château Sainte-Eulalie 2016

WHITELes Pierres Bordes Marsanne-Viognier 2016Duo Des Mers, Sauvignon-Viognier Vin de France 2016Picpoul de Pinet, Domaine Félines-Jourdan 2016

ref MM-MX17232

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON GRAPES GALORE MIXED DOZEN CASEA dozen delicious wines, each made with a different grape variety or blend, so you can discover this region’s dazzling diversity. A 12-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following:

REDPinot Noir, Pays d’Oc, Jacques Dépagneux 2016Merlot, Domaine du Bosc 2016Terre de Mes Ancêtres, Cité de Carcassonne 2016Cabernet Franc, L’Orangeraie Réserve 2016Domaine Jones, Côtes Catalanes Grenache 2014/2015Syrah-Viognier, Pays d’Oc, Lorgeril 2015/2016

WHITESauvignon de l’Arjolle, Côtes de Thongue 2016Picpoul de Pinet, Domaine Félines-Jourdan 2016Chardonnay, Domaine de Pennautier 2016Viognier, Domaine du Bosc 2016Domaine Jones Blanc, Grenache Gris, Côtes Catalanes 2015 Bourboulenc, Coteaux de Narbonne, Domaine de Simonet 2016

ref MM-MX17233

£79

£99