A Roussillon Tasting

On the left is the Clos des Fees

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted on here but after a recent tasting I went to about Roussillon I just felt I had to share.

Roussillon is at the Southern edges of France and is pretty much overshadowed by Languedoc. Most restaurants in New York may have just a few bottles from Roussillon if any at all.

And that’s a shame because what you find with these wines is something very unique. Fitting for a region that’s best known for Hannibal’s trek to Rome.

Let’s start with the Clos des Fees Cotes de Roussillon Blanc 2005. This is 90% Grenache Blanc with some hints of new French oak. There is definitely a stone fruit working here, most notably apricot. For a white, it’s very different than what you’d think for “Southern France.” It is crisp, but it’s got a lot of texture; a nice kick. One of the sommeliers leading the seminar says she even gets a hint of “saltwater taffy.” That’s new!

Next up we have the Domaine La Tour Vielle Banyuls Reserve. This particular vineyard lies on a very craggy hill so it relies on manual grape picking.  The climate is very sunny and dry which definitely affects acidity. This is a very interesting wine that could actually be paired with ham. The bacon fat smell really carries through and makes you crave a nice meat. Yum!