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I-love-french-wine-and-food---a-midi-viognier
If you are in the mood for fine French wine and food, you should consider the Languedoc-Roussillon region of south central France. Who knows, you may find a bargain, and I am sure that you'll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour in which we review a local white Viognier.
Among France's eleven wine-growing regions the Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest in actual area and ranks fourth in acreage planted in wine grapes. This area, which includes the Midi, was once known for producing huge quantities of questionable quality wine called vin ordinaire. Times change and partly because of Australian winemakers, this region produces an increasing number of fine wines. Unlike most other regions of France, many Languedoc-Roussillon wines, such as the one reviewed below, are identified by their grape variety on the label.
It's a mistake to think of this region as being uniform. For example, Languedoc is mostly flat, but Roussillon tends to be hilly. Furthermore, several select areas with their own unique combination of microclimate and soil (terroir) make their own AOC (Appellation d'Origine Controle) wines, which are usually more expensive. Sooner or later we'll be looking at some of these wines in our series. Languedoc-Roussillon claims nearly 50 AOC wine appellations; covering the entire range, red, white, rosé, sparkling, and sweet. This diversity comes as no surprise; the region is home to more than thirty grape varieties.
The Viognier grape was on the edge of extinction about forty years ago. At that time it was down to a measly 35 acres in France. Times have changed and this grape is now grown in California, Italy, Australia, Chile, and Canada, with more countries on the way. The classic Viognier wines come from the Northern Rhone Valley of eastern France, but we probably won't be reviewing them because of their limited availability and high cost.
Of course the Languedoc-Roussillon region has many places to visit. Here we focus on the city of Carcassonne, population 45 thousand. Talk about location. This city sits on a hilltop on the route linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It's quite close to the Spanish border. Small wonder that it dates back well over two thousand years. The Romans fortified it about 100 BC. Carcassonne has the longest standing city walls in all of Europe. Its name comes from Dame Carcas, who fed the last of the city's wheat to a pig in clear view of the French Emperor Charlemagne. He mistakenly believed that the besieged city was in no danger of starvation, and called off the siege.
The Aude River divides the fortified upper town, La Cité, from the newer lower town, La Basse Ville. The upper town is basically closed to private cars. Upper town sites worth seeing include the Bascilica of Sainte Nazaire, Museum of Chivalry, Arms and Archery, the Fortress, and the Museum of the Middle Ages, focusing on military history. The lower town has a fine arts museum and, in season (April to mid-November), an Australian Animal Preserve with kangaroos and emus.
Before reviewing the Languedoc-Roussillon wine and imported cheeses that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region. Start with Huitres de Bouzigues (Oysters from Bouzigues). For your second course savor Bourride (Fish with Aïoli, a local mayonnaise). And as dessert indulge yourself with Creme Colane (Dessert Cream with Lemon, Vanilla, and Dill Seed).
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed Domaine des Salices Viognier 2005 13% about $12
Let's start by quoting the marketing materials. During the last ten years or so, the Viognier grape has been quite successful
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