The Coteaux du Languedoc is a large and diverse region. Scattered between sea and mountain, low lying plains and vertigo inducing gorges, the natural and cultural landscape of the Languedoc is ever changing, and the wines are every bit as unique. Both are an invitation to discovery.
Situated 50km northwest of Montpellier, Domaine de la Sauvageonne lies within the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc “Terrasses du Larzac.” The domaine’s vines cover 32 hectares on a band of schist at an altitude ranging from 150 to 400m. A variety of well-exposed sites and the prevailing north-westerly winds ensure that the vines reach perfect maturity with little risk of disease. The team works the land and vines as much as possible by hand, with hand harvests and meticulous shoot and grape selection. They also avoid chemical herbicides and treatments. The 2005 Domaine de la Sauvageonne Coteaux du Languedoc “Les Ruffes” ($10.99) is a blend of 40% grenache, 30% carignane, 20% syrah and 10% cinsault. This spicy little quaffer has plenty of bite, but no sharpness. “Les Ruffes” does not see wood but instead spends six months in tank and is undeniably fruit-forward. It’s warm with cherry and red fruit and displays soft, round tannins. Bold, rich and brimming with pepper, it would do any barbecue justice and offers a lot of bang for the buck. —Nadia Dmytriw