Languedoc is something. I always call it "France's New World." The region where—unlike the rest of France—anything goes. I never knew what other splendors and magnificence awaited. The bulk wine region with the occasional standout? No, you can't call it a standout anymore. Languedoc now boasts a considerable list of top estates: Mas de Daumas Gassac, La Grange de Pères, Mas Julien, and La Pèira. And I'm standing right outside the door of the latter.
Walking through the vineyards of Terrasses du Larzac.
What immediately stands out is the unusual pruning method of the vines. At the time of my visit, I was in the middle of Unit 2. (Viticulture and Vinification) from the WSET Diploma, so you'll be looking at pruning techniques. Audrey Bonnet-Koenig, the winemaker, arrives: “Hmmm, the name? Hmmm never thought of this, I think we call it open gobelet”. They keep the vines short and prune heavily. This ultimately leads to a yield of 15 to 20 hl/ha. For the record, that's incredibly low. Within the AOC (Terrasses du Larzac), the maximum yield is 45 ha/hl – so they're well below that.
Six spurs per stick
The winemaker speaks.
La Peira boasts a total of 15 hectares of vineyards, spread across several plots. Around the estate, we see the red grape varieties. These grow on the chalky plateau of the Terrasses du Larzac, an area within the Languedoc that has enjoyed "separate status" since 2004 and was granted cru status in 2014. For red grapes, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Carignan are used. These grapes can withstand the Languedoc's heat. Again, the pruning method strikes me. Carignan grows straight and therefore doesn't require trellising. Syrah grows downwards and therefore requires wiring.
Have you ever seen any of the things below hanging from a vine?
Sexual confusion in the vineyard.
That's to mislead male moths. When a female moth is looking for a mate, she releases a substance to attract males (beat that, Tinder). Before you know it, a male shows up and your entire vineyard is covered in babies. We don't want that. Spraying chemicals is an option, but we'd prefer something more sustainable. For the vineyard, that is, not for the males, who'll go completely crazy. The capsule, which hangs in several places throughout the vineyard, spreads the female scent. The males are attracted to it—there's literally sex in the air—but there are no females. So, no babies. Phew, the vineyard is saved!
The rules of Terrasses du Larzac
According to the Terrasses du Larzac regulations, the blend must consist of at least three grape varieties. The same grape varieties apply as elsewhere in the Languedoc: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Carignan. Terrasses du Larzac applies only to red wines. Another rule within the AOC is that the vines must be at least five years old before they can be included. We see rows of young vines. " So that will be AOC Languedoc." The question is whether That's right ? It's certainly not bad for our wallets.
Tasting notes
We're ready to taste! Most of the wines are from 2017, a tough year with a 30% loss due to mildew. Mildew in the Languedoc? Something to do with climate change.
#goals
Obriers de la Pèira 2017
Red and black fruit, a touch of floral. No wood. You wouldn't know it's 15% alcohol.
Las Flors 2015
Wow. Floral, black plums, dried fruit. Garrigues. Blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Ourvèdre. and A touch of Carignan and Cinsault. 18 months in oak.
The Red Peira 2015
Mint and licorice on the nose. Tons of dark fruit and a subtle hint of the purest chocolate. Gorgeous. Give it a few more years and it will be absolutely phe-no-me-nal.
La Peira Blanc 2017
A blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and a touch of Viognier. In 2017, they only acquired two barrels. Still, we get to taste it. Next-level white wine. Young, but so many aromas: floral, citrus, mineral, ripe white fruit, and honey.
Deusyls de la Pèira 2017
A blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, and Grenache Blanc. Full and creamy, but not too much. Aromas of citrus, apricot, and nuts. Very nice.
La Peira wines are available for sale at Pasteuning Amsterdam . A must-have for your wine cellar.
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