VineBuzz

#LanguedocDay totally rocked November 10, 2011. Two days ahead, it all came together.

Rick Bakas (@BakasMedia) partnered up with Tia Butts (@WineInkByTia) from the Benson Marketing Group (who organizes events in the U.S. for CIVL, Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc).

The @NapaMarriott provided their internal patio as our venue, and some excellent food pairings.

With the selective influence, persuasion and genius of Tia's associate, Ross Wassermann (BMG-NYC), CIVL came through with two cases of fine Languedoc wines.

Ross Wassermann knows his schist. 

The fourteen people who showed up were greatly appreciative.

 I found four (4) favorites in the lot:

Chateau La Liquiere Vielles Vignes Faugères 2007
I like the ancient vines, as they give the wine its' intensity and age-ability. Berry aromas and mineral notes. 40% carignan (50 to 100 years old), 40% grenache, 10% syrah and 10% mourvèdre aged 90% in vats and 10% in barrels for a period of 12 months. 14% abv.
This vintage should age well for another three or four years.

@LanguedocWines tells us that Faugères is defined by the schist rocks and soils which cover 80%. These conditions give the wines characteristic acidity  I am thrilled to find such a great wine as well as to know that I can afford it, and find it at a store in my home town.

Domaine de L'Hortus Pic Saint Loup 2007

Tia Butts recapped the romantic history of L'Hortus, as it was her favorite in the lineup, as well as one in whose ecosystem she is intimately experienced and well-versed.

We float away on the complex and rich Gérard Bertrand, Cigalus 2007 Rouge brought to the table by Mark Buckley (aka @spiritandwine) Rick Bakas' called this wine "one of his highlights" for the day, and so felt all of us.

Filmmaker and photographer Anita Gouloomian (aka @gogoanita) loves to be drinking Wine with friends Tristan Fairbanks and Mark Buckley

The larger group includes, from left to right, Nathalie Vaché, myself (Rich Reader), Alan Spence et Madame, Rick Bakas,Espen Føge Jensen, and Tia Butts. Photo by Anita Gouloomian.

Crémant de Limoux "Cuvée Eugénie" 2008
toasty, crisp, creamy, floral, mousse-like
stands marvelously on its' own, and goes great with mussels in curry sauce.  It's simply more delicious than Champagne, whose method was actually invented in Languedoc.  50% chardonnay, 40% chenin blanc and 10% mauzac.

Picpoul is a great accompaniment to Crispy Calamari, and I let everyone know.  While it's not as good as the top four, it is a mighty fine table wine. Photo by Tia Butts.

Showing up once it became too dark for photos were: Adam Reiter, Vanessa Ochoa, and Ed Thralls.