The Cellar: Wines of Southern France

The Cellar: Wines of Southern France

The historical relationship between pharmacies and liquor stores dates back to the period of prohibition when alcohol was medicinal and the common cold considered curable with a quart of Canadian Club. One of the State’s few remaining pharmacy-liquor stores is located on Hope St on Providence’s East Side. Since taking over the East Side Prescription Center in 1977, owner and wine enthusiast Richard Backer has steadily been replacing the rows of jug wines with a great selection of fine wines. He is constantly making room for new arrivals and currently has hundreds in stock in the popular $10-$15 price range. This week’s wines were chosen in collaboration with Richard and feature the interesting and value-driven wines of Southern France. 

2010 Cave de Pomerols Picpoul-de-Pinet ”HB”, Coteaux du Languedoc

Whether you are looking for an easy sipping Rosé, a white wine to pair with your shellfish or a rustic red for your grilled steak, the wines of South and Southeast France will not steer you wrong. France’s southernmost

region of Languedoc-Roussillon is the country's largest wine-producing region, stretching across the south coast from just west of Provence and all the way to the Spanish border. Here, winemakers are keeping themselves busy producing more wine than in the entire United States.

One of the many sub-regions of the Languedoc is called Picpoul-de-Pinet. Here, only the grape varietal after which the area is named, Picpoul Blanc, is allowed to be grown. The grape produces a unique style of wine; crisp and easy drinking with lemon and mineral flavors, sometimes nutty – great with seafood. The 2010 Picpoul-de-Pinet ‘HB’ from Cave de Pomerols is a great example of this style of wine. It’s lively and mouthwatering. Lemons and minerals are nicely balanced on a round medium body. it finishes long and with hints of melon. (B+)

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2010 Domaine Houchart Cotes De Provence Rosé

To get to the place where this week’s second wine is from you must leave the Languedoc and travel east along the Mediterranean Coast. After a few hours you will get to Provence, an area known for its beautiful

beaches, landscapes and architecture, not to mention its zesty and refreshing Rosés. The largest wine sub-region in Provence is called simply Cotes-de-Provence and consists of 44.000 acres of non-continuous vineyards.

The plot of land where the grapes for this second wine are grown has been cultivated since the 11th century. The Houchart family purchased the Domain in 1890 and grows an array of grapes, including the Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre grapes used in this particular wine. The 2010 Cotes De Provence Rosé has a beautiful salmon color. It is heavily concentrated, filled with bright red fruit and delicious spices on a medium body. The residual co2 gives it a refreshing, almost fizzy, lift and the finish is long and flavorful. While this wine is very enjoyable by itself, I recommend you try it alongside something light and spicy. Did someone say sushi? (B+) 

2008 G. Moulinier Saint-Chinian “Tradition”

Perhaps due to the vast quantities produced, the quality of wines from the Languedoc has long been considered below average. In recent years, however, a transformation has taken place that has heightened the quality

significantly. As is the case with all of France the best wines in the Languedoc are Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée wines, otherwise known as AOC wines. These wines are often named after their appellation, as is the case with all this week's wines.

For your evening in front of the grill you should try the 2008 G. Moulinier Saint-Chinian “Tradition”, an interesting blend consisting of 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 20% Mouvedre. It displays deliciously ripe black fruit and spice on a medium body. This wine displays a faint herbaceous character, probably from the Mouvedre. As a result, I can see this wine pairing with something herb incrusted, like a piece of game. (B) 

Enjoy!

If you have any wine-related questions, comments or concerns feel free to contact Steffen Rasch by emailing [email protected]. And as always, don’t forget to follow GoLocalProv’s Wine Cellar on Facebook.