Wednesday 2 April 2014

Gerard Bertrand Minervois 2010

This carignan and syrah (surely shiraz?) blend is truly excellent value in a Languedoc region that undoubtedly combines big quality flavours and low prices like no other.

At around £8-9 from UK retailer Waitrose you can't go wrong. 

The blend is well balanced, lasting and benefits from a couple of hours in the decanter. Big alcoholic fruit, but never overpowering. As it oxidises it mellows. 

I visited the vineyard near Beziers in August 2013 and was impressed with it variety, scale and hospitality.

Their top wines can age 10-15 years, which is highly unusual in the region. 

Faugeres, not far away, with its schist soils, also has some very solid wines, as long as you don't mind big flavours and high alcohol. Par for the course considering the sun, grapes and terroir.

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