What with Chile, Australia and the new darlings of Spain and Portugal it’s all too easy to forget about the massively wines coming out of the Languedoc-Roussillon.

One such example is the Prestige d’Eulalie from Château Sainte Eulalie in the Minervois.

How’s she cuttin’?

Aromas of vanilla, blackcurrant and violets leading to a meaty, chewy, dense wine, bursting with subtle cinnamon and nutmeg flavours and a lovely jubbly long lasting finish. An authentic rustic wine to relish, sipping well into the night or with a nice beef or lamb stew. Will get more soft and girlie with a few years in the cellar.

Gorgeous stuff.

The grapes

Made from 45% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 20% Carignan

Minervois – just the basics

Minervois isn’t too far from Carcasonne, Béziers or Castres, deep in the southwest of France.

By AOC law, Minervois has to be a blend of some of the following: Syrah, Mouverdre, Grenache and Carignan, as well as a few others that are relatively unknown (Aspiran, Lledoner pelut, Piquepoul and Terret).

Availability

From Karwig Wines in Carrigaline, Co. Cork and online from Karwigwines.ie for just under €14.