Waiter! There is GARRIGUE in my glass!
September 12, 2007
One of the most appealing qualities of the red
wines found in the Mediterranean basin can be a very pronounced "garrigue"
component on the aromas. Think "Herbes de Provence"; fragrant lavender,
rosemary, thyme and sage growing wild as sturdy, low lying scrub bushes that
surround the vineyards. You may have experienced the telltale
menthol scents of north coast California Cabernet Sauvignon when produced
from vineyards in close proxmity to a grove of eucalyptus trees. The oils
from fallen leaves actually leach into the soil, only to be picked up by the far
reaching root system of grapevine and expressed in the fruit it
bears. However, in the Languedoc region of southern France, where these
shrubs and juniper trees flourish in the limestone soils, the best wines
will display a combination of intense garrigue qualities that enhance
the berry aromas from the traditional blends of syrah, grenache and
carignane fruit. Not to be confused with disagreeable weedy or
green, underripe herbaceous notes, rather the garrigue
quality can be an exotic perfume and more like a sachet found in
a lingerie drawer.
From the Corbieres region of the Languedoc, in the
foothills leading to the Pyrenees range dividing France and Spain, we found a
superb value that is a joy to smell for its intriguing garrigue, but also a
wonder to drink for its fine dark cherry core of fruit and firm tannic
underpinning. Unveiled last week at Saturday's tasting bar, it's
capitvating charms and low price resulted in a prompt sell out. Have
no fear, the 2004 Chateau des Auzines
"Fleur de Garrigues", a blend of biodynamically
grown Carignane (40%), and Syrah (30%) and Grenache
(30%) will be available to sample again this coming Saturday from Noon
until 4pm. Oh, did I mention no oak aging. Yes, a wine
that accurately expresses its place without any intervention. No
point ratings at this time, just my highest endorsement for an affordable,
delicious wine to aid the learning curve.
ORDER TO RESERVE NOW BY REPLYING DIRECTLY TO THIS
E-MAIL! ONLY $12.95 A BOTTLE. SIX OR MORE
BOTTLES FOR $11.99 A BOTTLE. 12 OR MORE BOTTLES
FOR $11.39
Also - Order a stash (half
cup tin) of Red Rock Ranch
and Farms Lavender Herbes de Provence (Concho, AZ) from us for
$7.95. Use this hand blended, salt free, dried herb mixture
of lavender flowers, marjoram, thyme, savory, basil, rosemary, sage,
and fennel seeds in your favorite marinades, or as a dry marinade, or baste
with olive oil when grilling lamb, beef, pork, veal, chicken or fish. Or
sprinkle over roasted root vegetables and potatoes. So many ways to enjoy
and add an extra aroma and flavor component to your
preparations. I like the added savoriness when applied
under the skin of roast chicken or turkey breast. Don't forget
the Auzines "Fleur de Garrigues" for the full monty experience! > www.thewineconsultant.com/wine/1152
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