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French Winophiles Extol the Virtues of the Languedoc
This month, our French Winophiles are returning to the Languedoc region. Our Winophiles have virtually visited the Langudoc and sister region Roussillon several times, most recently in 2022, here. Take a look further down in this post for this months’ links to my fellow writers discoveries!

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The Languedoc
The Languedoc is a very large wine producing area which historically was known for quantity over quality. However, winemakers in the region have worked for years to re-establish a quality reputation. Thanks to this push, Languedoc wines offer a very high quality to price ratio and are well worth trying. Located in the southwest corner of France, the Languedoc generally features a warm Mediterranean climate. This brings lots of sun and very little rain during the growing season, a great combination for organic viticulture, which is widespread. As vineyards move away from the coast, the terrain becomes mountainous, offering cooler evenings and bringing freshness to the wines. Red wines are most abundant though white wines and rosé wines are also made here; more rosé than Provence! The Limoux AOC produces traditional method sparkling wines and there are even sweet fortified wines; the region has something for everyone! If you’re curious to learn more, there is an excellent article in 750 Daily which does a better job than I could ever do!

Domaine Rimbert in Saint Chinian
Domaine Rimbert was formed in 1996 when Jean-Marie Rimbert moved from working as a winemaker for others to purchasing land and starting his own estate in the Languedoc. He farms 24 hectares (about 59 acres) on his estate. He also purchases grapes for his non-estate wines. He has managed his vineyards organically since 2003 and achieved certification in 2013. He is very down-to-earth and commented he farms organically not primarily for the wine’s quality, he says, but rather because “I want to cultivate in a way that doesn’t damage the environment. I’m in it for the long term.” He grows Carignan, Cinsault, Syrah and Grenache in vineyard soils which are primarily schist with a smaller amount of limestone.

Domaine Rimbert Saint-Chinian “Les Travers de Marceau” NV? ($20 locally) 12.5% abv
made of 15% Carignan, 50% Syrah, 15% Cinsaut, 20% Mourvèdre
Eye: Pale ruby
Nose: medium plus aromas of roses, ripe strawberry, red cherries, raspberry, clean earth, rosemary, tomato leaf, crushed stones
Mouth: Dry, medium plus acidity, medium minus fine grained tannins, medium body, medium alcohol, medium plus flavor intensity, medium finish.
Observations: Excellent red wine for the dinner table as the weather turns warm. It showcases nice fresh fruit and with light tannins, it takes a bit of a chill nicely.

Les Travers de Marceau with Seared Duck Breast
Duck breast is a favorite of mine, sadly, Julie doesn’t care for it (on our “forbidden foods” list). When she’s out for the evening, I’ll grab the opportunity. Duck breast is challenging as I like mine medium-rare or rare, but the fat really must be rendered. I’ve tried a couple different methods but always seem to end up with too done meat or non-rendered fat, hmmph! Today’s effort involves a hot cast iron skillet prior to adding the breast, fat side down. Once the fat hits the skillet, turn the heat down immediately to a low setting, just enough to start rendering the fat. It’s tricky to balance the two, no? As you can see in the photos above, I still have work to do. Rare duck is fine by me, but the photos may make some people queasy! I asked our French Winophiles writers if anyone had a good technique. Pierre Ly, one of our writers offered Gordon Ramsey’s technique which also seems to have dozens of copycats online, you may see my results in a future post!

The “Les Travers de Marceau” was very nice with the duck and especially the quinoa tabbouleh on a warm spring evening. The wine can take a bit of a chill, so will be a great choice for lots of spring and summer dishes.

French Winophiles Share Languedoc Discoveries
Take a look below at our Winophiles’ discoveries, you’re sure to find something new to try.

• Camilla of Culinary Cam serves up A Simple Poulet Rôti with the 2023 Les Foulards Rouges Octobre Rouge
• Robin of Crushed Grape Chronicles is sharing Heresie – Ancient and Modern Knights of Languedoc
• Gwendolyn of Wine Predator offers For Spring, try Salade Niçoise and this cheeseboard with red or rose wine from Languedoc
• Jennifer of Vino Travels proffers A Taste of the Languedoc
• Wendy of A Day In The Life On The Farm sips Grande Réserve de Gassac Blanc 2021: A White Blend from Languedoc
• Jeff of FoodWineClick discovers Languedoc – Hidden Value from France
• Here at ENOFYLZ Wine Blog I’ll be Pairing 2022 Jeff Carrel Languedoc Les Darons with Birria Pizza