Languedoc

News July 11, 2012

French Cows Fed 2 Bottles of Wine a Day to Increase Flavor.

A number of farmers in the Languedoc wine region of France have taken to feeding their cattle local red wine to improve the flavor of their beef. According to The Independent, local farmer Claude Chaballier has been feeding his cattle wine, which reportedly has resulted in “lean, marbled and tasty,” beef. The extraordinary development has seen a ‘Vinbovin’ label of meat established which is already being championed by some of the best restaurants in Paris….

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News July 10, 2012

French Wine Merchants Boycott Californian Wine in Protest Over Foie Gras Ban.

Ze wine merchants in southwest France are a little pissed-off with the recent foie gras ban in California, so much so, they have decided to take all Californian wines off their shelves. Foie gras has been outlawed across California as a law banning force-feeding of animals came into force on 1 July. In southern France, the center of production for foie gras, winemakers are doing their part to show solidarity to the region’s many producers….

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Facts March 23, 2012

What does “garrigue” mean?

The mere mention of the word “garrigue” brings back vivid memories of my childhood summers spent in the south of France. I’m just kidding. That never happened… The term “garrigue” actually refers to the low-lying vegetation on the hills that often surround vineyards on the Mediterranean coast. This wild brush is made up of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, mint and lavender, as well as juniper. Therefore; when describing a wine as having an…

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Reviews November 11, 2011

Little James’ Basket Press – A Wine by Louis Barroul.

Grapes 100% Grenache   Facts Louis Barruol, the winemaker behind the Little James Basket Press is part of the new generation of winemakers in the Southern Rhone region of France, who through years of study and instruction from his winemaking father, has breathed a fair amount of new life into their old family-held estates.   The Barruol family has a long heritage in winemaking and has been involved with the hugely respected Chateau de St….

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News September 12, 2011

A Tour of the Languedoc

Pick up any wine book, and flip to the page on the Southern Languedoc region of France. More often than not, the term “wine lake” or “ocean of vines” will be used, usually within the first set of paragraphs. No-doubt, the Languedoc certainly has some marketing challenges on its hands! With wine history in the region dating back to Roman times, the Languedoc has had plenty of time to practice the art of winemaking. However,…

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Pairings September 9, 2011

Tortoise Creek Pinot Noir Paired with Hanger Steaks with Wilted Spinach and Gorgonzola Sauce

The Mrs. wanted burgers, I wanted steak. Since it way my day off, and therefore my turn to cook: STEAK IT IS (WAS)! Hanger Steak is one of my favorite cuts of meat, however, I think my brief stay in England a few weeks ago might have impaired my ability to grill red meat to a cooking temperature of rare. I’m serious! It’s a major problem over there, with most beef being served to the…

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