EU Agrees: The Wine Fair At Montpellier Is The Next Wave Beyond The Euro Zone

With everyone in a twist over the risks to the Euro zone and the concept of France and Germany coming to the rescue of Greece, this is the moment to take time out and think clearly by sampling a fabulous bottle of wine from the lesser known regions of the South of France.

Viewpoint by Andrew Scharf, Head of the WCW Group

EU leaders are hunkered down and resolved to save Greece from its policy of financial negligence and to reassure financial markets inside and outside the Euro zone. While they are doing so, the wine at lunch is likely to come from that region of France, which has definitely arrived: Languedoc-Roussillon. When it comes to enjoying good wine, there is more consensus than how to resolve tricky financial dilemmas.

Every one knows that the big players in the Rhone Valley make Chateauneuf de Pape. Yet how many of you can rattle off the dynamic players in “other” parts of the South of France? Probably not many. Does the name Hortus mean anything to you or Aurel? Solen?

Hmm. I see we have some serious drinking, or as my colleague and wine expert, Louis Tari says, siphoning, to do. The best place to do this is the upcoming weeks at the Montpellier Wine Fair entitled, “ViniSud”.

Every two years, the city of Montpellier rolls out the red carpet for vintners, connoisseurs, collectors, and just good old-fashioned embibers of Dionysius’ favourite beverage. The city holds a specialized wine fair, which features the liquid glories of the region. The area is dry, Mediterranean in temperament and culture and is one of the oldest wine growing regions outside of Greece and Italy. There are plenty of limestone cliffs and the geology is perfect. The region can boost outstanding reds as well as whites. They are closer to New World flavours in texture and composition. They should also be an immediate export hit considering the shifting palates of wine drinkers worldwide, which is excellent economic news for this region.

Prior to these changes, the region had suffered from a poor reputation for produced cheap and nasty wine only suitable for clochards. No longer. The new generations at the helm of most vineyards have broken the traditional rules on wine making except the rule that the product must be excellent. They have introduced the latest techniques and innovations and produce some amazing elixirs. A holiday to the region will show you what the Ancient Romans knew. This part of France is spectacular.

Although February is not normally thought of as the ideal season to visit France, consider that the Montpellier Wine Fair, “ViniSud” is coming up soon. I recommend finding a way to get down here.

According to the stats, for the last festival held in 2008, there were over 1,600 vintners selling their wares, and 32k visitors attending this tasting and sampling extravaganza. Stands encompass all wines in the “south” of France.

Clearly when contemplating the “South”, we are talking everywhere south of Lyon. The Rhone Valley wines are the most recognisable to visitors, have matured and become more focused. There is finesse and subtly and not just a hammer blow to the head in alcoholic content. It is now possible to single out specific parcels and attributes to particular estates. Since the Rhone has such a big presence, it has many growers who offer tastings at this unique event and to broaden the visitors’ perception of what they can expect when a bottle is uncorked. Wines from Chateauneuf de Pape still command the most attention among the visitors. Chateau de Beaucastel draws many accolades, but you will discover that there are others, although less known to a general public.

However if you just focus on these wines great as they are, you will miss out of the wines from Languedoc, which constitute one third of the stands. The wines from this region will tantalise and dazzle. There is depth, body, and punch for those who demand full-bodied wines. Also interestingly enough the price-value relationship is outstanding. In blind tastings, many even outclass the big players from Bordeaux. During the last ten years the region has literally become transformed into a region of high quality and organic wines capitalizing on old traditions and expertise but new taste trends.

Today’s wine consumer is looking for something unique and specific. The wine must be special and reflect the “terroir”. If it does, then the chances are quite good that word of mouth and online buzz will build a noble and loyal following.

For wine lovers, if can make it to the fair do so; otherwise go online and visit some of these vineyards to see what you have been missing. Export sales are rising and the quality continues to expand to ever-greater levels.

For Further Information

ViniSud
Parc des Expositions de Montpellier
Visit: http://www.vinisud.com