INSIDER'S PICK: 2022 LE CLOS DU SERRES TERRASSES DU LARZAC 'SAINT-JEAN' $20.99

When you look at a map of the Languedoc from above, the vastness of the region along the Mediterranean seems like a broad nondescript mass. For much of its history, that would also describe the wines made here; nondescript and a mass (the highest volume producing region in France). Recent history has seen more and more wineries looking to separate themselves out from that mass and carve out some pockets of distinction, developing new appellations that will help show how their estate wines stand out against the mass produced co-operatives. Terrasses du Larzac is one of the older of these modern areas, though it wasn't officially recognized for labeling until 2005. Mas de Daumas Gassac started producing high quality estate wines in the late 1970s, proclaiming the higher elevations, temperature variants and diversity of soils at the edges of the Larzac plateau worthy of a 'Grand Cru' status relative to the rest of the Languedoc. Wines like this are proof that their belief was well founded, as they have the quality of a Cotes du Rhone but something else that makes them singular. Primarily concrete aged Grenache with varying amounts of Syrah, Mourvdre and Carignan from year to year, this is a blend of parcels from around the town of St Jean de la Blaquiere. Lots of energetic red fruit aromas, hinting at cranberry and spice as well as dark cherry and raspberry. The palate has a lot of texture with fine tannins and fruit that drinks a little darker than the aromas, still picking up citrusy/orange clove notes that have to come from the soils of the Terrasses. A great way to break up your Cotes du Rhone habit while staying with familiar flavors, lots of expression and enjoyment for the money. ​

---