Laurent Miquel La Verité 2021 £19.99 at Waitrose
The Miquel family has been part of the Languedoc wine-making landscape since the 18th century, with Laurent taking the helm to continue the family’s legacy into the modern era.
The vineyard is nestled in the heart of the region, at the crossroads of Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Laurent’s philosophy. Vineyard management is designed to promote biodiversity, including the preservation of native flora and fauna, soil health management, and the use of organic fertilisers.
This Viognier was wonderfully perfumed in a sophisticated fashion. It didn’t shout out loudly as some new world examples might, instead showing elegance with beautiful ripe apricots, and hints of lime and honey on the nose. Taste-wise, it was creamy with an abundance of perfectly ready-to-eat peaches, vanilla, honey and a surprising dryness. Available from Waitrose this is a real cracker of a wine for the price.
Domaine Jones Vineyard Collection Grenache Gris 2022 £14.50 at The Wine Society
Katie Jones believed she had purchased a vineyard solely planted with Grenache Noir. However, come the following spring when the vines began to blossom, she discovered the unexpected addition of Grenache Gris, Muscat, and Carignan in the vineyard. The terrain is challenging, situated in a remote, elevated location near the craggy landscapes just below the Cathar fortress of Queribus. This area is enveloped by the untamed garrigue and features soil composed of black schist, known for its notorious difficulty in cultivation. But Katie triumphs here and this Grenache Gris is herbaceous and citrus with lovely hints of peach and a gorgeous minerality. Katie suggests that this would accompany Asian food very well and I totally agree.
Domaine Jones A Different Direction Blanc 2022 £14.50 at The Wine Society
This is a blended wine from Katie, but I could not see what varieties are in the blend. Regardless, it is relatively dry and herbaceous, again with peach, so think it is probably Grenache Gris with other grapes used as a sort of seasoning. It was a little fuller on the palate than straight Grenache Gris and also showed notes of Key Lime Pie and cream. It had just a little more complexity as well
Domaine Jones Fitou 2021 £14.50 at The Wine Society
Fitou is recognised for producing robust and characterful red wines and was first established in the Languedoc in 1948. The Carignan grape often forms the backbone of the blend, contributing structure, colour, and a spectrum of red and dark fruit flavours, whilst Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre add some extra structure, tannin and flavour.
The Fitou appellation extends to nine villages of which Tuchan, with a population of circa 800 is one. The landscape is dominated here by the now imposing, but derelict Château d’Aguilar, a 12th-century castle, that sits high on a hill overlooking the village and surrounding area.
Katie has produced a lovely deep-coloured wine with a fragrant nose of cherries and plums with a hint of thyme in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins that work with the lush fruits comprising damson, blackcurrants and some herbs. This is a great springtime wine, for when the sun starts to show through and the evenings get longer.