Wednesday Wines – Episode 24
Episode 24 – 9th September 2020
I often find myself writing essays in this Wednesday Wines slot. Unlike in my other commissions, there is freedom here, with no word counts to stick to, so I find myself letting the words flow freely. But, this week, I have decided to write short notes for these two fabulous Languedoc wines in the hope you will act fast and snap them up.
2019 Picpoul de Pinet, Villemarin, Ormarine, Languedoc-Roussillon, France (£9.99, reduced to £7.49 for a Mix Six, www.majestic.co.uk).
Ormarine is the largest producer of Picpoul and its vineyards overlook the stunning Etang de Thau, a picturesque saltwater lagoon, southwest of Montpellier. It is no surprise that this white wine is the perfect match for shellfish and crustacea, given its location, and this 2019 release is a beauty. Citrus and sea spray coupled with faint herb and greengage notes make this bone dry wine a bargain-priced aperitif and cunning seafood or sushi companion.
2019 Domaine Clavel, Le Mas, Languedoc-Roussillon, Montpeyroux, France (£12.70, www.tanners-wines.co.uk).
Pierre Clavel is situated northeast of Montpellier (only 35 miles or so, as the crow flies, from Villemarin above). Made from Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, this is a stunning, sooty, black-fruit-stuffed red and it benefits from the fact that it hasn’t seen any oak whatsoever! The value for money here is tremendous and the lovely, briary nose, wild herb fragrance and autumnal palate make it a must-have for this time of year.
