France, Languedoc Roussillon
Wine is being produced throughout France and has been done for over 2,500 years with certain Châteaux dating their history back to Roman times, around 6th Century BC. Ranking second in the world in per-capita consumption and first in total production quantity. More-so than the overall quantity of wine is the quantity of truly great wines coming out of France makes the nation the envy of wine-making nations worldwide.
Two concepts pivotal to the higher end French wines, in particular, are the idea of 'terroir' and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Terroir refers to the way the geography, geology and climate find their way into the glass, telling a story of the origin of the wine. The AOC was set up in 1935 and has the primary goal of protecting the authenticity of the wines and the livelihoods of the producers. Appellation rules strictly define which varieties of grapes and winemaking practices are approved for classification in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or in some cases, like in Burgundy even specific vineyards.
Classic wine regions in France include Champagne (home of Champagne), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot), Alsace (Aromatic varietals), Loire Valley (Chenin Blanc, Crémant) and the Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache Mourvedre)
The Bordeaux classification of 1855 is still in use, as is the Sauternes and Barsac Classification of the same year. Wines from certain regions can be bought En Primeur, which is when the wine is sold prior to it being bottled.
Languedoc-Roussillon is oft called by the abbreviated 'Languedoc' - It's the coastal region of southern France from Provence to the Pyrenees Mountains and borders with Spain. With over 3 times the amount of vines than the entire of Bordeaux it's a vast region that produces a lot of wine. Vin de Pays d'Oc and sparkling Crémant de Limoux are two of its most famous exports.
The regions history when it comes to wine is a long a rich one, however it is also home to some of the newest AUC appellations in France, like Cabardès, which was only officially recognised in 1999. The region is a haven for enthusiasts of wine on a budget, for it is here you can find some remarkably high-quality wines without breaking the bank. Given the higher amount of sun hours experienced in the South of France, the wines coming from there are more full bodied and rich than from other more prestigious regions.
In the recent past (1970's) Languedoc region was known to produce vast amounts of cheap wine that didn't help its reputation region at all, however a steady improvement now sees it responsible for producing some great value wines that are generally blends, though not entirely so. Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, Chardonnay, Carmenere, Cinsault and Picpoul are some of the most common widely planted varietals. Grower cooperatives produce some remarkable wines alongside their more traditional winery neighbours.
Two concepts pivotal to the higher end French wines, in particular, are the idea of 'terroir' and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Terroir refers to the way the geography, geology and climate find their way into the glass, telling a story of the origin of the wine. The AOC was set up in 1935 and has the primary goal of protecting the authenticity of the wines and the livelihoods of the producers. Appellation rules strictly define which varieties of grapes and winemaking practices are approved for classification in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or in some cases, like in Burgundy even specific vineyards.
Classic wine regions in France include Champagne (home of Champagne), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot), Alsace (Aromatic varietals), Loire Valley (Chenin Blanc, Crémant) and the Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache Mourvedre)
The Bordeaux classification of 1855 is still in use, as is the Sauternes and Barsac Classification of the same year. Wines from certain regions can be bought En Primeur, which is when the wine is sold prior to it being bottled.
Languedoc-Roussillon is oft called by the abbreviated 'Languedoc' - It's the coastal region of southern France from Provence to the Pyrenees Mountains and borders with Spain. With over 3 times the amount of vines than the entire of Bordeaux it's a vast region that produces a lot of wine. Vin de Pays d'Oc and sparkling Crémant de Limoux are two of its most famous exports.
The regions history when it comes to wine is a long a rich one, however it is also home to some of the newest AUC appellations in France, like Cabardès, which was only officially recognised in 1999. The region is a haven for enthusiasts of wine on a budget, for it is here you can find some remarkably high-quality wines without breaking the bank. Given the higher amount of sun hours experienced in the South of France, the wines coming from there are more full bodied and rich than from other more prestigious regions.
In the recent past (1970's) Languedoc region was known to produce vast amounts of cheap wine that didn't help its reputation region at all, however a steady improvement now sees it responsible for producing some great value wines that are generally blends, though not entirely so. Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, Chardonnay, Carmenere, Cinsault and Picpoul are some of the most common widely planted varietals. Grower cooperatives produce some remarkable wines alongside their more traditional winery neighbours.
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This Syrah is truly expressive of the South of France. Lightly perfumed with aromas of dark berries, plum, sweet spice and hints of forest bramble. The palate is rich and supple with a core of ripe and naturally sweet berried ... Learn MoreMAISON DE PARNASSE SYRAH 2018$11.99 Per item -
This Syrah is truly expressive of the South of France. Lightly perfumed with aromas of dark berries, plum, sweet spice and hints of forest bramble. The palate is rich and supple with a core of ripe and naturally sweet berried ... Learn MoreMAISON DE PARNASSE SYRAH 2017$11.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Made solely from Syrah that is completely whole bunch fermented with a short maceration (a few hours) sufficient to impart colour and texture. ... Learn MoreBERTAINE ET FILS ROSE 2017$13.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Le Chat Noir is a range of modern French wines created by Vincent Charleux. Aromas of strawberries, blackberries and spiced plums, with a hint of dried roses. The palate is light-medium bodied, with bright red berries, a touch of savouriness, ... Learn MoreLE CHAT NOIR PINOT NOIR 2018$17.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Made solely from Syrah that is completely whole bunch fermented with a short maceration (a few hours) sufficient to impart colour and texture. The nose is aromatic and sweetly perfumed with aromas of strawberries and rose petals. The palate is ... Learn MoreBERTAINE ET FILS ROSE 2019$17.00 Per item -
Made solely from Syrah that is completely whole bunch fermented with a short maceration (a few hours) sufficient to impart colour and texture. The nose is aromatic and sweetly perfumed with aromas of strawberries and rose petals. The palate is ... Learn MoreBERTAINE ET FILS ROSE 2018$17.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The nose displays raspberry and cherry aromas with a hint of fresh herbs. A light-medium bodied palate, with ripe fruit flavours of red currant, cherry and strawberry fruits. Some hints of baking spices and subtle oak in the background. To ... Learn MoreBERTAINE ET FILS PINOT NOIR 2018$17.99 Per item -
The nose displays raspberry and cherry aromas with a hint of fresh herbs. A light-medium bodied palate, with ripe fruit flavours of red currant, cherry and strawberry fruits. Some hints of baking spices and subtle oak in the background. To ... Learn MoreBERTAINE ET FILS PINOT NOIR 2017$17.99 Per itemOut of stock -
This is a harmonious traditional blend showing beautiful lifted aromas of dark berry fruit with subtle spices and dark chocolate that flows seamlessly to a rich, mouth-filling palate. This is a proud reflection of this rugged region, delivering plush fruit ... Learn MoreLE CHAT NOIR GRENACHE MOURVEDRE SYRAH 2017$19.99 Per item -
Picpoul de Pinet is located in the Languedoc region in the south of France. It is one of the few regions in France that is named after the grape varietal that is most common there. Grown meters from the oyster ... Learn MoreCHATEAU FONT-MARS PICPOUL DE PINET 2018$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Picpoul de Pinet is located in the Languedoc region in the south of France. It is one of the few regions in France that is named after the grape varietal that is most common there. Grown meters from the oyster ... Learn MoreCHATEAU FONT-MARS PICPOUL DE PINET 2017$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Picpoul de Pinet is located in the Languedoc region in the south of France. It is one of the few regions in France that is named after the grape varietal that is most common there. Grown meters from the oyster ... Learn MoreMAJONE PICPOUL DE PINET 2018$24.99 Per item -
Exclusive to United Cellars - our most popular Syrah! A sumptuous and youthful Syrah from sun-drenched vineyards in the south of France. Aromatic nose with aromas of small mashed red fruits mixed with spicy and smokey hints. Rich and silky ... Learn MoreLE VERSANT 'VIN DE PAYS D'OC' SYRAH 2019$24.99 Per item -
Les Vignobles Foncalieu named 'Cooperative Winery of the Year 2012' by the Revue du Vin de France - the biggest magazine in the French wine industry! A strong and aromatic nose of red fruits mixed with liquorice notes. Medium bodied, ... Learn MoreLE VERSANT 'VIN DE PAYS D'OC' PINOT NOIR 2019$24.99 Per item -
An amazing French Chardonnay, great value for money, with aromas of white flowers, ripe fruit and a hint of honey. A generous yet well-balanced mouthfeel with fresh stone fruit characters and a hint of oak. Perfect for every day of ... Learn MoreLE VERSANT 'VIN DE PAYS D'OC' CHARDONNAY 2019$24.99 Per item -
When we bought the vineyard in 1997 we wanted to make the best wines in the Languedoc while working in harmony with nature – that is without applying pesticides or other chemicals. We looked at natural ways of rejuvenating the soil using ... Learn MoreCHATEAU MARIS LANGUEDOC ROSE 2017$24.99 Per item -
Les Vignobles Foncalieu named 'Cooperative Winery of the Year 2012' by the Revue du Vin de France - the biggest magazine in the French wine industry! A strong and aromatic nose of red fruits mixed with liquorice notes. Medium bodied, ... Learn MoreLE VERSANT 'VIN DE PAYS D'OC' PINOT NOIR 2018$24.99 Per item -
Exclusive to United Cellars - our most popular Syrah! A sumptuous and youthful Syrah from sun-drenched vineyards in the south of France. Aromatic nose with aromas of small mashed red fruits mixed with spicy and smokey hints. Rich and silky ... Learn MoreLE VERSANT 'VIN DE PAYS D'OC' SYRAH 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Made by the best co-operative producer in France, and imported exclusively by United Cellars. A delicate pretty nose, attractively scented. Notes of red fruits combine with more floral aromas like apple or orange blossom. Fresh and truly delicious with fruit ... Learn MoreLE VERSANT 'VIN DE PAYS D'OC' ROSE 2018$24.99 Per item -
Very pale in colour with a mineral nose featuring aromas of flint, red fruit (blackcurrant, pomegranate), rose petal and grapefruit. Lively and fresh on the palate with a fruity finish and a refreshing hint of bitterness. Winemaking: Whole bunches fed ... Learn More -
Pale gold in colour with green highlights. Lifted nose boasting a great deal of complexity: white peach, ripe lemon followed by notes of baked citrus dessert and subtle florals. Integrated oak is in support of a well balanced, fresh wine ... Learn More -
Gerard Bertrand is the largest producer of Organic, sustainable and Biodynamic wine in the world. Mourvedre and Grenache grown on limestone cliffs above the Mediterranean are chilled and gently pressed then blended with the pale juice of ‘saignée’ Syrah ... Learn MoreGERARD BERTRAND CHATEAU L'HOSPITALET ROSE 2015$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
During the lead up to Christmas 2020, we're aware that things won't quite be the same as they have been in previous years (let's be honest- what isn't different this year!). Many restaurants and bars have tight restrictions on the ... Learn More
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This kit contains 2 lovely bottles of wine as well as a Caim & Able 850g Nurture Magnesium Bath & Foot Salt Soak as a Christmas pamper pack to spoil someone special!
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A mix of 3 great value and delicious wines that will be the perfect gift to get any Christmas party started! Showcasing wines from some of the best wine regions in the world, this is sure to make any true ... Learn More
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The Chapoutier family of winemakers have been making wine in the Northern Rhone for decades, and are one of the largest landowners of some of the most renowned vineyard sites in the world. This wine is a blend of 65% Grenache ... Learn More -
We've got the perfect Christmas dinner dozen for the big day! 6 wines to match with all the types of food you usually have for Christmas Day!
- Champagne for arrival drinks and oysters
- Aged Semillon ... Learn More
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