Pays d’Oc
Pays d’Oc IGP Masterclass with Matthew Stubbs MW (October 2012)
In brief…
- In 2009, Vin de Pay d’Oc changed to Pays d’Oc
- IGP (Indication Geographique Protegee) = PGI (Protected Geographical Indication)
- A number of international investments in recent years have revived the region and its wines
- 236 000 hectares of vineyards – four times Bordeaux AOC
- More grape varieties allowed – from 35 to 56 now
- 60% reds 20% whites and 20% roses
- 4% of total production is organically certified but many more producers are working organically without certification
- More and more woman winemakers making the mark, all the wines mentioned below are made by female winemakers
My top 5 affordable Pays d’Oc IGP wines
1. Domaine de Brau 2011 – organic blend of Chardonnay 70% and Roussanne 30% – deliciously refreshing and elegant wine, aromas and flavours of white linen, meadow, elderflower and zesty lemon with surprising hints of green gooseberries – Available from Vintage Roots £8.25 (www.vintageroots.co.uk)
2. Domaine de la Dournie Marie 2011 – barrel fermented low yielding 100% Roussanne – given this wine blind tasted I would confidently place it in Burgundy so if you enjoy young Burgundies then this is the right wine for you at more than half price – a crisp and satisfying wine full of lemony, nutty and savoury notes – Available from Leon Stolarski £11.75 (www.lsfinewines.co.uk)
3. Domaine de Clovallon 2011 – 100% organic Pinot Noir – the first plantings of Pinot Noir allowed under the IGP label from this small yet entrepreneurial 12 ha estate – a light and fruity style of Pinot Noir – Available from Terroir Languedoc £12.50 (www.terroirlanguedoc.co.uk)
4. Domaine Saint Hilaire Advocate 2008 – morish blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot that is perfectly enjoyable right now – aromatic fruity notes complimented by flavours of fresh eucalyptus, black pepper and cassis with hints of pencil shaving – Available from Slurp £12.25 (www.slurp.co.uk)
5. Domaine Gayda Chemin de Moscou 2009 – blend of 82% Syrah 14% Grenache and 4% Cinsault – the Syrah trademark of white pepper, chocolate and red berries is dominating in this impressive wine – Available from Leon Stolarski £20 or The Vintners £23.50 (www.thevintner.com)
