Southern France's Languedoc produces red wines of remarkable richness and depth. Long lived too, when they come from smart areas like Monpeyroux. A 3-way split of deeply concentrated Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, it's velvety with herbal black fruit.
Ambitious to achieve full cru status, Montpeyroux lies just northeast of Montpellier, nestled in the foothills of famous Larzac, the wines of which go for a high sum. Montpeyroux is a small village that has been prized for its exceptional wines since the Romans. It used to be an important trading post, as well as a refuge for pilgrims on their long trudge to Santiago de Compostella. This spring, our buyer based close by discovered this terrific red in the local wine bar and sought out the cellar. Vineyards here are buffeted all year round by the strong local wind, La Tramontane. It helps keep the vines disease-free and means the grapes ripen only slowly. Old-vine Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, it's a rich dark partner for a hearty casserole.
