Vermeil du cres 2012

Brought back from the Vignerons de Serignan Cave Cooperative.

I bought two bottles at €8 each from a Dutch expat employe of the Cooperative. The disappointment of the first bottle led me to think that both had been ruined by being left to the mercy of the Languedoc heat whilst entombed in our roof box. This second bottle makes me think otherwise. Despite the cork pushing out the top of the foil, this is really quite agreeable. There is spice and cream initially which gives way to vibrant (but not brash) fruit. Not a million miles away from a Faugères style. One imagines the grape varieties will be similar (carignan, grenache?) but surely the terroir must be very different? This was so close to the sea with not a whiff of schist in sight.

St Pourcain, Bell Tower Pinot Noir-Gamay 2012

The same blend as the wine we bought from that area whilst passing through in 2010.

At the time I thought it was an idiosyncratic blend specific to that producer. It seems that it's actually a feature of the appellation.

Very light colour and vibrant fruit. I'm guessing that's the Pinot.

A light refreshing wine which I would return to if the acidity was a fraction lower. Would be great for summer lunch outside.

Chateau de la Liquiere, Faugères 2011

Very savoury, almost meaty nose on decanting. On the palette, there is that familiar burst of lush fruit. Strange mixture of being thirst quenching yet simultaneously earthy. Two left. It's a pity I won't be going anywhere near Faugeres anytime soon.