This is based on samples provided by the winery or another organization acting on their behalf.

 

 

2012 Fortant de France Viognier Vin de Pays d’Oc Hills Reserve

2013 Gérard Bertrand Vin de Pays d’Oc Gris Blanc

 

 

 Background

The Pays d’Oc, located in the Southeastern corner of France, is characterized by miles of Mediterranean coastline, fertile plains, and the rugged Pyrenees Mountains.  The winemakers of the region have more creative freedom than most because they can work with 56 grape varieties to produce red, white, and rose wines.  Many producers have started incorporating modern techniques, and the result is a number of expertly crafted wines that are familiar to the palate with their elegant fruit flavors, and crisp, refreshing acidity, and yet also have unique, interesting notes.

 

 

6 centuries B.C. – The Languedoc-Roussillon: over 2600 years of vine-growing and winemaking tradition.  Viti-viniculture activity began 6 centuries before Jesus Christ (B.C.).  The Greeks were the first to introduce the vine to the Languedoc-Roussillon creating their first trading post around Agde.

 

A few centuries later, the province of Narbonne rapidly developed under the Roman emperor Auguste.  The veterans of Roman legions were often wine growers from Campanie and were given land in Narbonne or Beziers in recognition for their long years in service.  This is how the first known vineyard in Gaul came into being.  The wine trade became more structured and grew rapidly thanks to the “Voie Domitienne”.  This trade route, built in the Pays d’Oc from Beaucaire to the Perthus, linked Spain and Italy.  Today it is a lasting foundation that witnesses the history of Pays d’Oc’s vineyard.

 

In the 1st century A.D., wines were exported in the Adriatic Sea, to Greece and Upper Egypt.

 

Much more information on the region, grapes and wine is available by clicking here.

 

 

These wines were provided by Sopexa USA, a part of Sopexa Group.  For more information, please click here.

 

 

 

The lineup for this tasting:

 

 

2012 Fortant de France Viognier Vin de Pays d’Oc Hills Reserve – SRP $14.99

This 100% Viognier is from inland, hillside vineyards.  The vineyards are hot and dry during the day but cool nights allow the grapes to ripen slowly and to retain acidity.  The grapes are also subjected to the cool, dry, strong Mistral and Tramontane winds.  These winds help concentrate the flavors that eventually show up in the wine.

 

The wine has 13% alcohol by volume and the bottle is sealed with an agglomerated cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium yellow to gold color.  The inviting nose has pear, minerals, white flowers, apricots, vanilla bean and a touch of honey.  This has a medium body with decent acidity and no readily apparent residual sugar.  Minerals and pears coat the palate with a touch of honey and a floral note coming in on the backend.  The finish is a touch short with minerals and pears.  (86 pts)

 

 

 

2013 Gérard Bertrand Vin de Pays d’Oc Gris Blanc – SRP $12.99

This wine is 100% Grenache Gris from the Tautavel area between the Mediterranean Sean and the Pyrenees Mountains.  The hand harvested grapes are pressed immediately.  After a temperature controlled fermentation the wine is aged on the fine lees for several weeks with a weekly pump over.

 

The wine has 13.0% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a twist off closure.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a very light pink with an orange tint.  The enticing nose has strawberries, minerals, cherry pit, lemon zest and orange blossoms.  This has a light body with crisp acidity and a touch of residual sweetness.  On the palate, tart strawberries and minerals jump out first with cherry pits and lemon zest coming in on the back end.  The finish has good length with a nice floral note entering the picture.  This is an extremely easy wine to just sit back and sip on a warm evening before dinner.  (87 pts)

 

 

Conclusion

These were two very reasonably priced wines that should be considered for your dinner table, either before or with your meal.

 

 

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Cheers!

 

 

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Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines.  I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar.  I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com.  Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear.  There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.

 

 

Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase.  I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but my local store is usually VERY competitive.  I generally get case discounts, and since I work there part time, I get a 5% discount.  Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges.  None of the prices include the sales tax.

 

 

All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.

 

 

 

Cheers!