Waiting for Bronzinelle
Of late, Southern France has been a beehive of wine-related "activity." A recent post by Christian at, "Turn the Screw," got me thinking about Garrigue and France's Languedoc region. First, what does the term Garrigue mean? Good question. I take the answer from Mssr. Christian:
"When reading 'more established' wine journals, one will often come across the word 'garrigue', used as a descriptor for the wines of the Languedoc and southern Rhône valley. Literally translated, the word means 'scrub' but as it pertains to wine, it is meant to encompass the multitude of 'shrubs' that proliferate in this part of France i.e. rosemary, lavender, sage, etc..."
The Coteaux du Languedoc appellation is most definitely varied. It's not a strict, practically fixed appellation like say, Burgundy. It appears to function as an incubator for up-and-coming wine districts in the French Mediterranean south. The Wine Doctor has a great guide to all things Languedoc. My most recent taste of Garrigue and Languedoc is from Chateau St. Martin.
The Skinny
Chateau St. Martin de la Garrigue Cuvee Bronzinelle, 2001 ($19)
From the Coteaux du Languedoc AOC
- Made from Syrah, Grenache, Carignane, and Mourvedre
- Moderate indigo in color with a rusty red rim
- Scents of raspberry, blackberry, vanilla (oak), and hints of wood & herb
- Medium-bodied in the mouth with fairly integrated tannins. The flavor is surprisingly restrained with less fruit and more of a tomato/herb taste. The finish feels slightly hot (i.e. lowish acidity and high-ish alcohol). However, after 20+ minutes of breathing in the glass, the wine really begins to open up. The vegetal flavors decrease, the wine feels more balanced, and offers a longer finish
***.5 (3.5 stars out of 5)
Patience and waiting are key for this wine. Open it. Pour. Back away. Come back in about a half hour and enjoy with an iron skillet steak & Belgian Frites
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