Southern France's Best Value

From: Wine of the Month Club Sep-15-2024 11:19:am

The Languedoc in southern France is coming of age. It has a Napa Valley sense about it, not in the architecture or climate, but in the freedom to grow whatever grapes one desires. Making wine in regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy forces one to only use grapes allowed in the their respective regions. The Languedoc is like the New World of France; grow whatever you want and see how it goes.

The Fonjoya winery is located in the Languedoc, southern France's most bountiful appellation, an hour's drive from Montpellier. They were founded when the Languedoc was barely an afterthought in France. Today, the Languedoc has quite a reputation.

The 45% Carignan, 33% Syrah, and 22% Grenache in our selection could easily be found in a Cotes du Rhone, but at a higher price. It's that price-to-quality equation that makes their wines some of the greatest values in the world. The Languedoc also boasts many of the oldest vines in France, which is another reason they give you so much wine for the money.

This example surprised me as soon as it was poured in the glass. Rich nose of berries and spice, medium on the palate and nice weight. Finish is long clean.