From: Pays d’Oc, Languedoc, France
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Taste: Upon pouring, it reveals a dark ruby color. The nose is greeted with an intense bouquet of pungent black currant, underlaid with subtle herbal tones. The palate experiences an intense fruit concentration, where the black currant's bold flavors are beautifully integrated with a developed tannic structure. This wine boasts good intensity and offers a nice, juicy mouthfeel that lingers on the finish.
Pairing: French Cabernet Sauvignon transforms meals into authentic culinary experiences, especially when stewed meats grace the table, highlighting its ability to complement hearty dishes easily.
Cabernet Sauvignon stands out as a captivating choice for wine enthusiasts. Its dense, dark appearance and robust, fruity, full-bodied structure make it an exemplary companion to various savory dishes. This wine, known for its lengthy finish, pairs with the rich flavors of grilled red meats. Whether accompanying a casual barbecue or a carefully prepared beef in sauce, both excellent choices.
It beautifully complements the savory tastes of grilled, roasted, or braised pork and wild game, enhancing the flavors. Grilled or roasted beef matches Cabernet Sauvignon, as does braised, grilled, or roasted lamb. Even casual dining options like pizza and Tex-Mex dishes are elevated when paired with this versatile wine, making it a splendid choice for various culinary adventures.
Chorizo Taquitos
By Bryan Washington
About: Michel Laroche is a prominent figure in the wine industry, known for his pioneering efforts in both Burgundy’s Chablis region and southern France's Languedoc region. Coming from a long line of winemakers, Laroche has been instrumental in modernizing winemaking techniques while maintaining a deep respect for tradition and terroir.
In Chablis, Laroche's efforts focused on expressing the unique characteristics of the Chardonnay grape and the region's distinctive terroir. He was among the first in the area to adopt stainless steel fermentation tanks in the 1970s, a move that contributed to Chablis's pure, crisp, and mineral-driven style that has gained worldwide acclaim.
Laroche's involvement in the Languedoc region reflects his vision to explore new territories and his belief in the area's potential to produce exceptional wines. Recognizing the Languedoc's diverse climates and soils, he embarked on winemaking efforts to showcase the region's potential beyond the mass-produced wines it once known for. This endeavor led to the creation of Mas La Chevalière, a winery near Béziers, in the early 1990s.
At Mas La Chevalière, Michel Laroche and his team have focused on sustainable viticulture practices, including "lutte raisonnée" (reasoned fight), which minimizes chemical interventions and promotes the health of the vineyard ecosystem. The vineyard's location in the Orb Valley, with its varied landscapes and microclimates, allows for the cultivation of various grape types, each chosen for their suitability to the local conditions. This careful selection and cultivation process is reflected in the diverse portfolio of wines produced under the Mas La Chevalière label, including varietal wines from international and local grape varieties, each expressing the unique qualities of the Languedoc terroir.
