The South of France Wine Review

Here, I review the Cuvée Victorine 2020 Domaine de Borie-Vieille from Gaillac A.O.C.   The Gaillac wine region is located in the northeast of Toulouse, which is in southwest France. The Gaillac A.O.C. has approximately 4,000 hectares of vineyards. Red wines are prominent in the region, but many white wines are also produced, as well as sweet "doux" and "vendanges tardives" style wines.  Braucol (also commonly called "Fer Servadou", "Fer", and "Duras") and Syrah are particularly common, as well as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, are the primary grapes for red wines. For white wines, Len de l'El and Muscadelle are most common. The land has been owned by the Fontvieille family since 1910, and the winery began in 1997. This wine is made primarily from the local favorite Braucol (also commonly called "Fer Servadou", "Fer", and "Duras"), Syrah, and Cabernet Franc.  The average age of the vines...

Following up from the previous post, I wanted to share some information on the Languedoc wine region. The Languedoc is usually mentioned alongside Roussillon making them a natural match. However, there are some differences between the two areas.   The Languedoc region lies in the far South of France, near the Spanish border and between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The region encompasses approximately 40,000 hectares of vineyards, making it a large wine producing region comparatively both within France and worldwide. Many wines from the Languedoc carry the "IGP Pays d'Oc" label, heralding to the Occitanie heritage of the region, which covers much of North Catalonia (with "South Catalonia" being in current day Spain). The Languedoc is primarily closer to the cost than Roussillon, and has a more humid, coastal influence. The area is also commonly overlooked by more "prominent" regions in the Rhône Valley and Provence, which have more cultural...

The Roussillon wine region is one of the less discussed regions in France, but has a distinct beauty, history, and quality which makes it world-class. Located in the southwest of France, Roussillon is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountain range. This range is extensive within the region, and is characterized by sub-areas. To the north are the Corbières mountains. Towards the west is Mount Canigou. To the south are the Albères mountains. There are three rivers, the Agly River, the Têt River, and the Tech River, located in the plains below the mountains. The climate varies dependent upon location within the region, but most areas are characterized by warm temperatures and high levels of sunlight.   There are 14 appellations within Roussillon. For dry wines, these include Côtes-du-roussillon, Côtes-du-roussillon Les Aspres, Côtes-du-roussillon villages (CRV), CRV Caramany, CRV Lesquerde, CRV Latour de France, CRV Tautavel, Maury sec, Collioure. For fort...

Here, I review the 2022 vintage of the "Les Figues Rouge" from Domaine de la Bastide in the Côtes-du-Rhône A.O.C. The Côtes-du-Rhône A.O.C. is one of the most well-known in France, located in the Southeast of France along the Rhône valley.  This A.O.C. covers approximately 170 villages and was created in November, 1937.  Grenache, syrah and mourvèdre are the most widely known grapes in the region for red wines, but carignan and cinsault are also important, particularly for blending. The northern part of the Rhône valley is cooler than the south, with the northern Rhône have greater influence from the Alps, while the southern Rhône is more strongly influence by the Mediterranean. Domaine de la Bastide is located in Visan in the southern Rhône, and was founded by Bernard and Nicole Boyer in 1989.  The 100 hectare estate is now primarily run by their son Vincent, which has vineyards in Visan, as well as Suze-la-Rousse.  Since 2022, the vineyards are certified in or...

Hello and welcome to The South of France Wine Review! I am a writer and Certified Sherry Wine Specialist who will use this site to cover reviews of wines from one of may favorite regions, the South of France, as well as information on different regions, vintages, and current developments.  I am always looking to hear feedback from consumers and producers. France is one of the largest global producers of wine, with wonderful history and diversity of offerings in the southern reaches of the country.  I hope this site can serve as a touching point for French wine lovers to stay up to date with the beauty of the country and its wines in the South. Santé!

  This review is for the 2019 vintage of Côté Nature from the Arnaud de Villeneuve winery in the Côtes du Roussillon A.O.C. The Arnaud de Villeneuve winery is made up of 170 winegrowers in Salses le Château, with the cooperative beginnings originating in 1909.  The cooperative has approximately 1,800 hectares of vines, and the vineyards are in the Roussillon region in the far Southwest of France. The vines are in planted in areas ranging from plains close to the sea to hillsides up to 200 meters above sea level. The Côtes du Roussillon A.O.C. was created in March, 1977. The regions is characterized by a sunny, dry climate with high average temperatures. Carignan is a cornerstone grape varietal in the region. Grenache Noir and Blanc, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Macabeu are also popular. In addition, Lladoner Pelut (meaning "Hairy Grenache") is nearly exclusive to the region. This wine is a cuvée of 45% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre. The...