A similarly arid climate to both Provence and the Southern Rhône, Languedoc-Roussillon makes the complete spectrum of wine from white to red, dry to sweet, still to sparkling. With a hodgepodge of AOCs, and even more grapes grown, the region is incredibly diverse, but also a bargain hunters dream.
Areas of Note
- Banyuls – Fortified, and made from Grenache, it pairs well with chocolate thanks to coffee, chestnut, tea, and other heady aromas. Its not heavy, but rather, incredibly elegant.
- Corbieres – Primarily based in carignan, these are dense wine with plenty of spicy and rustic characteristics.
- Faugères – Carignan again dominates this area, and the red wines show with earth, spice, and gravity
- Minervois – Huge amounts of dark fruit flavors power through thanks to Carignan, Syrah, Grenance, and other southern french varietals.
- St. Chinian – While Carignan is critical, Syrah, Grenance, and Mourvèdre play big roles, and wines from here have sharp edges, rustic flavors, and some fruit.
Les Darons Languedoc 2014
While Les Darons Languedoc doesn’t hail from any particularly area of Languedoc, it does offer a compelling price point. Does it deliver with flavor as a requare though?
Sight: A moderate, slightly transparent red with pinkish edges
Smell: Blueberries and black licorice dance out the glass with grace and power. Blackberries, mint, and a hint of violets play back up. The nose has black pepper perk up, and a subtle spiciness.
Sip: The weight, is substantial, and the body is balanced. The blackberries punch through with a freshness, that’s immediately backed up by the hints of violet and licorice. The blueberries are not to be lost in this exchanging, adding a dynamic note to the berry flavors. The floral notes are more pronounced that might be expected. Black cherries and plums join in before the finish.
Savor: The ending is complex, gets a hit of chocolate and earth before pulling back into the berry elements. The blackberries and blueberries entwine deeply, and add a powerfully lasting finish. The finish has almost as many elements of violets, spice, and licorice as the body.
Les Darons Languedoc is deep, powerful, and amazingly well rounded for the price. The depth of the blackberries, blueberries, and licorice are amazing at only $10. With a lasting finish, and firm body, it’s incredibly enjoyable. If you want to see the value Languedoc can produce, Les Darons Languedoc is without a doubt a stunning example to try. Go buy it!
Verdict: Blackberry, Blueberries, Licorice, Violets
Rating: 93
Price: $10
Languedoc, France
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