The Clot de l’Origine winery is as incognito as proprietor Marc Barriot himself, often called the icon of natural winemaking in Roussillon. When the door opens, you enter controlled chaos- bubbling ferments, oxidative smells and bottles of super distinctive wines that may just blow your mind.
The Roussillon region has something for everyone. Area diversity is vast- the Mediterranean Sea, charming countryside towns, mountains, and certainly, great food and wine. It’s a mecca for outdoor lovers with places to cycle, stroll or just relax. But today what most excites me are the white wines of Roussillon. On July 18 at 11am ET and 17:00 in France,… Read more »
March 12, 2018 – Didier Barral, the proprietor of Domaine Leon Barral is a revolutionary man producing biodynamic wines in the Faugères AOP. This hilly area is known as Grand Terroir de Schist where Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault are primary red grapes. I looked to this region for a wine to elevate my lazy Sunday evening.
Two appellations lie within the Languedoc-Roussillon: the Corbiéres and Minervois AOPs (Appellation d’Origine Protégée). Both are focused on red wines made from Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, and Lladoner Pelut in differing proportions. They deliver a small amount of noteworthy whites made primarily from Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Vermentino (Rolle), and Maccabeu (Viura). Several other grapes grow there too. Read on to learn about defining characteristics of these areas.
Although some wineries have difficulties, and challenges exist in the south of France due to competition with Spanish bulk wine, Languedoc-Roussillon area vintners are producing wines well worth the search at amazing prices.