Taste Languedoc - the wines of the South of France (Rosemary George MW)

Pays d'Oc covers the whole gamut of the Languedoc, from vineyards in the Gard all through the Hérault and Aude, into the Pyrenees Orientales, and in some instances, when the blend is that of the Languedoc, they beg the question; why an IGP rather than an appellation?

I think it is a choice of whether you accept the restraints of an appellation, as opposed to the flexibility of an IGP. A marketing decision above all else.

Pays d’Oc usually concentrates on single varieties, but many of these were blends of a couple of grape varieties, some quite classic and some including more unusual grape varieties.

All the wines comes from the 2018 vintage.  

The alcohol levels are mostly around 12.5º, sometimes going unto 13.5º, and those wines tended to taste more vinous, with more weight.   

"I did not taste them all at once, but in batches over the course of a few days.   The wine-making information comes from the technical notes supplied with the samples.  My scoring principle is the same as for the appellation wines, (see earlier post), with a range of **** to *.   But * is really not worth a tasting note, so is not included.  

The wines are ordered according to their rating, but without any geographical logic, and if a producer submitted more than one wine, I have put all their wines together under the highest rating.    So if you are wondering what to drink this summer, here is the answer"

Trilogie, Domaine de Viranel ****   7.00€

This comes from a long-established St Chinian estate, outside the village of Cessenon.

34% Syrah, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Cinsault.  

Direct pressing and three months in stainless steel.  Very pale gris colour. Quite a delicate rounded nose. On the palate, hints of raspberry and a little weight making a satisfying balance. A dry finish, with an appealing lift on the end of the palate.