Latest news with #Languedoc
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Four great wines from lesser-known parts of France
For many consumers, France is wine . The country vies with Italy and Spain to be the largest producer in the world. It has a lot of the best-known names, including Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, as well as most of the most popular grapes such as the cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir, sauvignon and chardonnay. These days, it no longer enjoys the dominant position it once had (in Ireland it lags behind Chile, Spain and Australia in volume), but France is still the point of reference for most wine lovers and producers around the world. One of the great pleasures of French wine is its sheer range and diversity. Every region seems to have its own set of specialities and grape varieties, often only known locally. You are more likely to find value for money here, although quality wines from small producers will always cost a little more. As a pre-celebration of Bastille Day on July 14th, this week we have four wines from lesser-known parts of France. READ MORE The Roussillon, usually lumped in with the Languedoc, is the Catalan part of France, adjacent to the border with Spain. It the best known for fortified wines as well as some rich, full-bodied, fruit-filled reds. Bergerac lies next door to Bordeaux. This picturesque region, which is well worth a visit, produces red and white wines using the Bordelais grapes. They can offer great value. Another area worth visiting is the Savoie, in the French Alps. White wines dominate here – usually aromatic and fresh. I am a big fan. Château de Jau 2022, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Organic 14.5%, €14.95 (down from €19.95) New to O'Briens, a lovely big, rich and supple red with a sprinkling of black pepper. Perfect with roast, grilled or barbecued red meats and Mediterranean vegetables. From O'Briens Parcelles Pinot Gris 2023, Val de Loire, Rethore Davy 13%, €17.50 Lightly aromatic with succulent, fresh red apple and apricot fruits. This would be great with Asian seafood or mixed summer salads. From Wicklow Wine Co, Wicklow; Blackrock Cellar, Blackrock, Co Dublin; Red Island, Skerries, Co Dublin; Morton's, Dublin 6 Château Le Payral 2022, Bergerac 12.5%, €18.50 A classic merlot/cabernet blend with cool, concentrated plum and blackcurrant fruits and light tannins on the finish. With grilled or roast red meats. From Green Man, Dublin 6; McCurtain, Cork; Ennis Butcher, Dublin 8; Kari Stores, Dublin 8 Roussette de Savoie 2023, Domaine Lupin 12.5%, €23.40 A delightful light wine with luscious pear fruits, hazelnuts and honey. A lovely aperitif, with fruits de mer, or local cheeses. From: Blackrock Cellars; Delgany Wine Cottage, Co Wicklow; The Drinks Store, Dublin 7; The Corkscrew, Dublin 2; ; MacCurtain, Cork; Pop Crowley's, Macroom, Co Cork; Seagull Bakery, Waterford; 64 Wine, Glasthule
Forbes
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
In The Vines With Gérard Bertrand, A Biodynamic Winemaker In France
Gérard Bertrand in the vines. Three summers ago, I experienced a festival like I've never experienced before, and fell in love with what I've deemed the best rosé in the world, Clos du Temple (in fact, it changed my mind about rosé in general). Meet Gerard Bertrand—former rugby star turned wine wizard who owns 16 châteaux and wine-growing estates across the Languedoc-Roussillon in the South of France. Bertrand started making wine at 10, balanced rugby stardom with winemaking, then took over the family business when tragedy struck at 22. Today he produces award-winning biodynamic wines and created the most spectacular wine festival you've never heard of: Jazz à l'Hospitalet Festival. Picture six consecutive evenings of wine magic nestled between ancient limestone cliffs and the Mediterranean, where each night kicks off with a grand gala dinner in the château park with stunning seafood platters with freshly shucked oysters, truffle-studded everything, and delicious slow-cooked fish à la chef Laurent Chabert. Each evening has its own dress code, which is so fun to partake in. This year runs July 15-19, 2025, featuring Texas, Ibrahim Maalouf, Earth Wind & Fire Experience, Michel Polnareff, and Christophe Maé with themes from bohemian to retro-funk to vintage glamorous. Château L'Hospitalet Wine Resort Beach & Spa is a 13th-century hospice turned luxury resort—41 rooms, including 28 suites, scattered between the main château and exclusive Villa Soleilla with private pools and Mediterranean views. The property spans 1,000 hectares with heated pools, tennis courts, a world-class spa, and a beach club serving tapas beside the sea from May through September. Small Luxury Hotels recently added them to their collection, and honestly, once you've experienced this level of French art de vivre, everything else feels like amateur hour. Now, back to the wine. I sat down with Gérard Bertrand for the latest installment of In the Vines With to chat far beyond the basics—upcoming projects and more: Jenn Rice: What inspired you to get into winemaking? Gérard Bertrand: I was born and raised in the heart of the Corbières, and I did my very first harvest with my father, Georges Bertrand, at our family estate, Château de Villemajou, 50 years ago. He passed on to me his passion for the terroirs of the South of France and his expertise in viticulture, winemaking, and blending. But above all, he shared with me his vision for the rise of Languedoc and Roussillon wines. JR: Proudest moment as a winemaker? GB: Every harvest has taught me humility more than pride. Over the years, I have deepened my connection with nature and strengthened my commitment to crafting wines that respect life, reflect the soul of our terroirs, and bring people together around the values of harmony, authenticity, and our Mediterranean art de vivre. JR: What is your first wine memory? GB: It goes back nearly 50 years, when I was just 10 years old, taking part in my first harvest with my father and my sister. From the vineyard to the cellar, I followed him closely, listening attentively to every word he said. JR: What are you currently enjoying from your portfolio? GB: At the moment, I take great pleasure in orange wines. Orange wines are made with white grapes like red wines: through skin contact comes the orange color and the aromatic profile of the wine. A dialogue between tradition and modernity that reflects both our sense of innovation and our Mediterranean identity. And I really enjoy discovering new food and wine pairings with orange wines! French Cancan is a joyful expression of orange sparkling wine! Full of freshness and energy. It embodies the festive, vibrant spirit of the South of France, inviting people to celebrate life with elegance but without formality. I enjoy it as an aperitif. Orange Gold represents a more audacious approach. It reconnects with ancient winemaking traditions, using skin contact to give white grapes both structure and complexity. Its amber colour, aromatic depth, and food-pairing versatility make it a wine of great character, very much in tune with contemporary gastronomy. Both wines are organic. JR: A sommelier who's blown your mind with wine pairings? GB: Paolo Basso, World's Best Sommelier 2013, recently impressed me during a Master Class he gave at our Château l'Hospitalet Wine Resort, Beach & Spa. His approach to wine and food pairing is truly inspiring. We were fortunate to have him share his knowledge and passion with our guests. JR: If you could take one wine to an island? GB: It's always difficult when I'm asked to choose one of my wines, because I love them all. You cannot ask a father to pick a favourite child! But to answer your question: La Forge. This red wine is a tribute to my father and to our family's legacy in Boutenac. I love pairing it with a rack of lamb from the Corbières, simply roasted with wild thyme and rosemary, accompanied by seasonal vegetables. It perfectly embodies the Mediterranean art of living. JR: What is your go-to libation when you need a break from wine? GB: I never need a break from wine. JR: The future of wine is... GB: …the best moment of my life. JR: Clos du Temple is my favorite rosé in the world….why is it standout above the rest? GB: Clos du Temple, our iconic rosé, is truly unique. It is crafted in a place that seems almost predestined to produce the finest rosé. In Cabrières, the combination of limestone and schist soils, the Mediterranean climate, and our biodynamic approach create an extraordinary harmony. We work with a selection of noble grape varieties—Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Viognier—each bringing its own energy and personality. This rosé is made for ageing. I thoroughly enjoy tasting both young and mature vintages—always an emotional experience. This philosophy of balance, energy, and harmony is at the very heart of my book Multidimensional Wine, where I explore how a deeper connection with nature allows us to craft wines that transcend categories and preconceptions—as Clos du Temple does for rosé. JR: What is your favourite thing about the jazz festival? GB: It's one of my favourite moments of the year. We created this festival 22 years ago. It's a fabulous celebration where wine, gastronomy, and music come together in perfect harmony. Jazz and wine share one essential quality for me: they both speak directly to the soul. JR: Any upcoming projects or events you want to share? GB: We always have many projects. Wine has centuries of history, but still offers so many opportunities for creation and innovation. We have just launched our newest white cuvée, La Grande Bleue, an ode to the Mediterranean. Fresh, mineral, and saline.
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The budget supermarket wines that scooped medals at the prestigious International Wine Awards, including a £7 Aldi bottle
With the UK basking in glorious sunshine, plenty of us will be preparing for summer evenings in the garden, enjoying a glass of wine al fresco. From Whispering Angel and Miraval to Chicken Wine and Arc Du Soleil, everyone has their opinion (and will gladly post on social media) about the 'best' tipple to indulge in this season. But with so much contradictory advice, where do you go for an impartial take on the vinos actually worth the hype? The International Wine Competition (IWSC) is a good place to start. It's widely regarded as the gold standard for wine quality, with each drink judged by expert sommeliers, buyers and producers. Delicious tipples can be awarded gold, silver or bronze medals. You might imagine that the wines winning these prestigious gongs come with a staggeringly high price tag. Surprisingly, you'd be wrong. At the 2025 IWSC, UK supermarkets picked up dozens of medals with own-label, budget bottles impressing the judging panels. From a Sainsbury's Barolo to a Co-op champers, here are the supermarket picks that seriously wowed, starting from just £7 a bottle. Gold medal winners Silver medal winners Asda Extra Special Rioja Reserva 2019 Classic vanilla, spice, and red fruit Rioja profile, praised for structure and ageing potential. £8.07 Shop M&S Collection Picpoul de Pinet 2023 A crisp, coastal white from the Languedoc – ideal summer drinking. £9 Shop
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Our expert on the four best southern French wines, starting from just £8.50
I could easily see myself settling into a lazy life in the Languedoc. I'd happily spend days meandering through vibrant markets and ancient towns, wandering untamed beaches and tucking into all that glorious rustic, flavourful food from the land and sea. Then there's the wine: diverse, characterful and brilliantly priced across every style. Here are four picks that capture the variety and spirit of the region.
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
The best new and updated Hamptons hotels for 2025
If you've grown bored of the same old, same old Hamptons getaways, get your Ginza flip-flops from The Row ready. A new generation of makeovers is infusing some fresh energy and carefree style into the scene this season. From the total overhaul of Westhampton's divey Seabreeze Motel into the lush Three Ducks Hotel, to the reimagining of the run-down Sands Motel into the wellness-focused Offshore Montauk, these jitney-friendly escapes beckon you to book a room and perfect your 'dark bohemian' deportment just in time for Memorial Day. Floppy hats and flowy coverups required. 5 Seven Beach Lane Courtesy of Liz Clayman / Seven Beach Lane Advertisement Though it technically opened late last summer, Seven Beach Lane debuts its first full season this June — and it was worth the wait. Set just a mile from Rogers Beach and the coastal-cool shops on Main Street, the restored 1885 Victorian houses 16 rooms and suites, a namesake restaurant that emphasizes locally sourced cocktails and cuisine (order the cavatelli with baby artichokes and chanterelles, but don't skimp on the housemade bread) and a full suite of fitness offerings, including a gym, an infrared sauna and a cold plunge. The vibe is decidedly glam, so don't be shy: Dust off those Cartier baubles and make your French bob BIG. You never know who that silver fox sipping a glass of Languedoc rosé at his poolside daybed might be. Rooms from $749; Seven Beach Lane 5 Offshore Montauk has a new wellness-focused, bare-bones aesthetic. Cameron Burton Advertisement In what appears to be a trend, Montauk's old Sands Motel is shaking off its tired image in exchange for a wellness-focused, bare-bones aesthetic. Marley Dominguez, co-owner of upstart Enduring Hospitality, unveils his approach to laid-back luxury at the tip of Long Island this June, hoping to capture some of the boho-chic clientele who in recent years decamped to nearby Shou Sugi Ban House or Gurney's. He's giving them good reason to make haste to this 43-room escape, starting with a resort-like pool and extending to the red-light therapy in the mini-spa and breezy setting right on the Atlantic. Come on a Friday morning before the madding crowds and secure an outdoor space — a private terrace, a lush lounge area — all your own, quiet enough to read an actual book. Rooms from $700; Offshore Montauk 5 The Sagaponack is completely rebranded and redesigned. Courtesy of The Sagaponack The hotel formerly known as the Wainscott Inn is now The Sagaponack, completely rebranded and redesigned for its first full summer of operations. Among the upgrades that $4 million afforded the old bolt-hole: a full renovation of the 30 guest rooms and lobby, all outfitted in nautical-chic blues and whites; family- and pet-friendly premises, including organic treats from the Hamptons Barkery for Fido and baby gear and sitting services for Little Debbie; and resort-style amenities, like beach passes, e-bikes and a stocked pantry for grab-and-go (gratis!) snacks. Privacy-seekers can book one of nine bungalows and withdraw to their discreet personal retreat, emerging only for yoga and meditation classes held near the outdoor heated pool or a game of croquet on the expansive lawn. Rooms from $599; The Sagaponack Advertisement 5 Three Ducks has new owners and a fresh outlook. Three Ducks Westhampton The sleepy suburban village has finally gotten the reboot it deserves, starting with the total overhaul of the downtrodden Seabreeze Motel. With new owners and a fresh outlook, the midcentury hostelry has emerged with wildflower meadows that double as gathering spots, outdoor seating areas for each of the 12 guest rooms and a stripped-down aesthetic that lets the natural beauty of the beach community sparkle. Though it shares a general manager with Bridgehampton's see-and-be-seen Topping Rose House, don't expect such flash here: Breakfast is served in the newly constructed barn and group activities are less Champagne toasts and more bird-watching and flower-arranging classes. Grab a bike and cruise to the dunes for sunset or take a seat by the communal firepit and make lifelong friends. Rooms from $795; Three Ducks Advertisement 5 Montauk Yacht Club underwent a tip-to-toe multimillion-dollar renovation. Courtesy of Courtesy of Montauk Yacht Club The largest marina in the Hamptons reopens for a full season this summer after a tip-to-toe multimillion-dollar renovation that touched everything from the Ocean Club Restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Jarad McCarroll, to the 16 inviting grassy acres. This summer, when you're not vying for a slot at the padel courts or an invitation onto one of the superyachts strutting their stuff in the 232-slip marina, scurry from one of the 107 guest rooms to the Sisley Paris pop-up spa that takes over the Floating Water Cabana Spa. Along with the brand's cult-favorite facials, you can score your skin's summer essentials on-site — thus eschewing the 30-minute drive to the nearest Bluemercury in East Hampton. The other big news among erstwhile regulars is that Michael Kors has teamed up with the barefoot-chic retreat for a Jet Set Package that includes an off-menu chef's table dinner, a private sunset cruise aboard the hotel's boat, a massage and a signature weekend bag to secret those Aesop toiletries back home. Rooms from $799; Montauk Yacht Club
