savour the South of France
Delicious, accessible and fabulous value, the varietal wines of Pays d’Oc IGP pour sunshine into your glass
CURVING AROUND the western Mediterranean from the Pyrenees to the Camargue, Languedoc-Roussillon is a land that’s in love with wine. The first vineyards were planted here 26 centuries ago but it was the generations of Cistercian monks in medieval times who did the hard work, meticulously noting down which grapes grew best in the countless di erent soils from the mountainsides to the sea. You could say that our wines are really the fruits of their labours. Today, 120,000 hectares of vineyards lie within the Pays d’Oc Protected Geographical Indication (IGP), a designation that guarantees quality and authenticity.
With 58 di erent grape varieties to play with – all of which adore the sun-drenched South of France – winemakers here have the freedom to be remarkably creative. Their labels proudly name the varieties used, so you always know what to expect. And what might that be? Wines that are generous, sophisticated but unpretentious – a true expression of the relaxed Mediterranean joie de vivre. Whether red, white or rosé, the diversity of the wines of Pays d’Oc IGP is exceptional, but they all have one thing in common: a spectacular ratio of quality to a ordability that adds even more to the pleasure they give.
Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2019 Pays d’Oc IGP LCBO 184069, $11.05
Ripe, juicy cherry is wreathed in smoky oak, flavours that linger delightfully in this mediumbodied, easydrinking Pinot Noir from the famous house of Georges DuBoeuf.
Fat Bastard Syrah 2019 Pays d’Oc IGP LCBO 563122, $14.80
Despite a big, complex nose of peppery pumpernickel, prunes and black olives, this dry Syrah is surprisingly light on its feet. Look for smoky cherries and fine tannins in the finish.
J. P. Chenet Cabernet Syrah Organic 2019 Pays d’Oc IGP LCBO 90472, $12.80
A best-selling love-match of two great red varieties dresses cherry and black currant in robes of swirling smoke, herbs and spices, liquorice and espresso. Try it with steak from the grill.
Laurent Miquel Pere Et Fils Chardonnay d’Oc 2019 Pays d’Oc IGP LCBO 157909, $13.80
High-altitude vineyards let the Chardonnay grapes keep their vibrant tang and fresh pear and apple notes. Silky and mediumbodied, it’s a great match for fried chicken.
Marius Rouge 2019 Pays d’Oc IGP LCBO 470096 $12.90
Rhône superstar Michel Chapoutier creates a muscular blend of Grenache and Syrah. Silky tannins and acidity give subtle structure to all the ripe, juicy fruit.
Philippe De Rothschild Merlot 2019 Pays d’Oc IGP LCBO 542332, 1500 mL, $23.15
The Rothschild Bordeaux roots are showing in the poised elegance of this seductive, fruit-forward red. The Pays d’Oc is the world’s leading producer of Merlot.