How to Understand a French Wine Label

Some tips on knowing what’s in the bottle…

When you’re browsing the wine shop, looking for the perfect wine-trip down memory lane, how can you possibly know how to choose something similar to what you drank while you were onboard Athos?! 

Here is a short guide to understand a French wine label.  (The best news is that fluent french is not an obligation…)

French wines carry a lot of information on their labels.  The label tells the exact village and region that the wine comes from.  It lists the classification of wine.  And it is this classification which tells about the grapes used and how it was made. 

Below is a great resource written by Total Wine and More:  it is a color map of Languedoc wine regions, and below that, a clear diagram of what is what on a Languedoc wine label. 

The map outlines the areas called the AOCs – the Appellation d’Origine Controlés.  The AOCs are the officially licensed french wine regions.  Each AOC region has specific rules for which grapes to grow, and how they are to be grown and vinified in order to qualify.

Following the below map and label-guide, you should be able to work out the (relative) prestige of the winery, the age of the wine, the way it was made, the type of grapes used.   

Voilà.  How to understand a french wine label.

A sample:  how to understand a Languedoc Wine Label

…with explanations in red:

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Reading List for Cruising the Canal du Midi

Reading List for the Canal du Midi

A recent Athos passenger asked a new question the other day:  Could I suggest a Canal du Midi Reading List for his week onboard Athos? 

I’m still disappointed I didn’t think of it myself!   Who doesn’t love a few suggested “reads” before taking off to travel somewhere new?

The list below is NOT an exhaustive list – just the titles which spring most quickly to mind. They are a collection of fiction, historical fiction, historical research, and even a few wine and cheese titles.  All either cover topics relevant to the culture and history of Southwest France, particularly Carcassonne, or they take place in the surrounding area.

Canal du Midi Reading List
HISTORY:
  • The Friar of Carcassonne, author Stephen O’Shea (historical research)
  • The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail,  by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln. (historical research)
  • The Religion, Tim Willocks
FICTION
  • Suite Française, author Irène Nemirovsky (written during wartime France, the manuscript found after the author’s death).
  • Labyrinth, Kate Mosse (fiction)
  • Sepulchre, Kate Mosse
  • Citadel, Kate Mosse
  • The Heretic’s Treasure, Scott Mariani (fiction)
  • Pillars of the Earth, author Ken Follett (historical fiction)
  • The Virgin Blue, author Tracy Chevalier (historical fiction)
  • The DaVinci Code, author Dan Brown (fiction)
  • All the Light we Cannot See, author Anthony Doerr (France wartime fiction)
  • La Bête Humain, Emile Zola (19thC French thriller Classic).
WINE AND CHEESE
  • Languedoc Roussillon, the Wines and Winemakers, Paul Strang
  • Wines of the Languedoc, (The Infinite Ideas Classic Wine Library) by Rosemary George
  • French Cheeses, The Visual Guide… by Kazuko Masui & Tomoko Yamada
DOCUMENTARY & GUIDES
  • My Life in France, Julian Child
  • Narrow Dog to Carcassonne, author Terry Darlington (documentary)
  • Fortress Churches of the Languedoc, Sheila Bonde
  • The Roads to Santiago de la Compostela, MSM 1999-2004

Go right ahead and Click here to email any suggestions you might like to add!

reading list for the canal du Midi

 

 

Best of Languedoc Wine List, Athos Canal du Midi 2016

Best of Languedoc Wine List, Athos Canal du Midi 2016

Athos has a trusted core of acclaimed Languedoc Chateaux and Domaines that have produced consistently acclaimed wines each year.

This is a look at Athos’ 2016 onboard Wine List.

Domaine La Colombette

A father and son team of vignerons who were the first to introduce plastic corks and screw top corks in the otherwise staunchly traditional wine trade of the South of France. They’ve also been on international wine-scouting trips to learn about wine technology abroad, including alcohol-reducing techniques that have permitted them to produce their alcohol-light rosé, “La Plume”.  Colombette’s wines have been part of Athos’ Canal du Midi cruises for many years.

2015 Sauvignon Blanc Vin de Pays d’Herault
2015 Grenache rosé Vin de Pays d’Herault
2015 La Plume Rosé Vin de Pays d’Herault
2014 Lledoner Pelut Vin de Coteaux Libron

Cave Pierre Cros

Pierre Cros is a well-known and well-recognised producer, based closer to Carcassonne than to the cruise route for Athos Canal du Midi.  He describes himself as a “Vigneron Militant”!  His passion is for reviving traditional grape varieties that have been forgotten or worked out of the current AOC guidelines.  His wines tend to sell out from year to year and so Athos gets there early!

2015 Les Costes, AOC Minervois Blanc
2013Les Vielles Vignes, AOC Minervois Rouge
2014 Les Aspres, AOC Minervois Rouge
2015 La Partouse, Vin de France Rosé

Les Costières de Pomerols, Cave Co-operative

The cave co-operatives across the Languedoc are responsible for much of the huge volume of wine produced in the region.  Traditionally, the huge volume did not necessarily represent refined wines.  Happily this has changed dramatically over the past 20 years and many Cave Co-ops are producing some excellent wines across the region.  This is one of Athos’ Canal du Midi cruising favourites and it matches up perfectly with the oysters and seafood of the terroir!

2015 Hugues de Beauvignac, AOC Coteaux de Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet

Domaine les Murettes

Mme. Bellido of Domaine les Murettes has long been a force to contend with as is her Viognier.  It also sells out annually, and with reason:  this is a true dry white wine that speaks of pure Languedoc peach and apricot orchards. Quaffable and friendly with food.  A perfect wine for cruising with on the Canal du Midi.

2015 Viognier, Vin Blanc Biologique

Chateau la Negly

Based at Fleury d’Aude, overlooking the Gruissan and Narbonne plage area, the vineyards around Fleury grow in the salty Med breeze – never too cold in winter, never too dry in summer. Chateau la Negly are internationally recognised for their quality and also have a large production destined for international export.

2015 La Brise Marine, AOC La Clape Blanc
2014 La Falaise, AOC Coteaux de Languedoc

La Voulte Gasparets

Athos has carried La Voulte Gasparets Corbieres wines onboard for the past 20 years, a testament to their quality and consistency. Typical to Corbieres grape varieties and depth of fruit and character, these wines have always been crowd pleasers with passengers who cruise Athos Canal du Midi.

Cuvée Romain Pauc, 2013 AOC Corbieres rouge
Blanc 2015 AOC Corbieres
Rosé 2015 AOC Corbieres

Domaine d’Antech

Onboard bubbly – important for special occasions on board, and well, just because you can.

Cuvée Eugénie, AOC Crémant de Limoux
Cuvée Émotion, Cremant de Limoux

Chateau Mire l’Etang

This is another of the wine producers that Athos has worked with nearing 20 years. Again based on the Fleury d’Aude side, bordering the Med, Mire l’Etang’s wines benefit from the softening effects of the salty med air. Named for the historical Duchess de Fleury, Aimée de Coigny blanc is a crisp and delicate blend of Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc. The Ducs de Fleury red is an oaked combination of traditional Languedoc grapes Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre noir.

Aimée de Coigny, 2015 AOC La Clape blanc
Ducs de Fleury, 2014 AOC La Clape rouge
Gris, 2015 AOC La Clape rosé.Rose

Why a Canal du Midi Cruise on Luxury Hotel Boat Athos should be on your bucket list.

A Canal du Midi Cruise on Athos is a South of France experience that is a once in a lifetime, must-do holiday. Here’s why:

  1. Athos makes your Canal du Midi cruise exclusive and personalised. VIP is the only class and service option.

Athos carries a maximum of 10 passengers on board in any given week and her 5 full time crew members ensure that they are given every attention and comfort.  Athos and her crew are all about making your special Canal du Midi holiday the lifetime trip to remember.  With the option of chartering the entire boat for up to 10 passengers, you can choose your own group of preferred travellers.  If you’d like to stay away from the crowds, Athos’ crew can arrange that.  

  1. It’s not JUST a luxury Canal du Midi Cruise.  

Inclusive shore excursions mean that you’ll See & Experience More on hotel barge Athos.  Because Athos’ experienced crew will look after the complicated travel questions of Where-to…? How-to…? and What’s-on-the-menu…  we make it possible for you to do far more than an independent traveller in the South of France. 

During a week onboard, Athos’ Canal du Midi cruise activities include: 
  • cruising the Canal du Midi by historical hotel barge and exploring the surrounding area. 
  • tasting and travelling your way through the vast wine region,
  • delighting your palate with the onboard Chef’s repertoire (tweaked to your preferences of course)
  • walking & bicycling the surrounding countryside
  • sitting back and enjoy the flavours, fun and experiences without losing time figuring it all out. 

Have a look at our detailed suggestions on the Best of Languedoc itinerary. 

  1. Outdoor Luxury

Athos offers magical days seeing the South of France that way it is best appreciated – from outdoors. What other form of hotel offers the comforts of a hotel that floats and moves with you on your journey, taking luxury into the countryside from her generous top deck?  The Languedoc’s Mediterranean climate and landscapes are warm, rustic, charming – and all able to be experienced from your comfortable lounge chair on the Athos deck.  Here’s a little photo selection and a link to historical and practical information about the Canal du Midi to whet your appetite!

Click here to Drop us an email to ask questions, dates and details.

Athos 2015 Wine List, a Languedoc Adventure starting at Chateau la Negly

Building the annual onboard wine list is always an adventure.  From year to year, we follow our palates, and the trusty advice of friend & Master of Wine, Juliet Bruce-Jones.  Most years Athos keeps to many of the tried and true Languedoc wineries, although we occasionally switch up for something new and interesting.

Last weekend saw a quick tasting at Chateau La Negly.  La Negly is one of the tried and true Languedoc producers, and a must-taste for wino’s and cruisers of the Languedoc.  Here’s what we bought to add to our 2015 list –

La Natice – an exceptional diversion from the region’s many good dry & fruity Languedoc roses.  Although crisp and dry, La Natice delivers a fragrant, almost perfume-y strawberry nose.  Elegant.  And it’s a posh bottle.

La Natice, perfectly elegant rosé.

La Natice, perfectly elegant rosé.

La Brise Marine – la Negly sits directly on the coastline between Vendres and Narbonne Plage and so is directly exposed to the ocean air, or “brise marine” and its clay mineral soil.  Made from 70% Bourboulenc and 30% Roussanne grapes, giving notes of peaches, mango and almonds, this is a perfect pairing for seafood.

La Brise Marine, AOC Coteaux de Languedoc

La Brise Marine, AOC Coteaux de Languedoc

La Falaise 2011 Coteaux de Languedoc:    In fact, sold out.  But Negly have pulled out all the stops and gone digging in their cellars to come out with enough of the 2011 for Athos’ 2015 season.  Here’s what Curious Wines said about it:  “This deep ruby red Syrah (50%), Grenache (40%) and Mourvèdre (10%) blend shows raspberry and blackberry fruit with undertones of chocolate and black olives on the nose. Hints of liqourice and roasted coffee beans mingle with dark fruit on the palate, where the wine displays ripe, smooth tannins and a long, savoury finish.”  Cheers!

chateau-de-la-negly-la-clape-la-falaise-languedoc-roussillon-france-10122510

A Languedoc Tradition: Picpoul and Oysters at Christmas

Much like the rest of Europe, the French in the Languedoc celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, or La Reveillon, which translates to “the awakening of Christ”. Many typical families begin their Christmas with evening Mass at the local church. Once they return home from Mass, the celebrations begin. Father Christmas will have visited while everyone was out, and in the French way, eating and drinking also begins. No doubt you’ll remember the famous oysters & Picpoul from your own experience on the Etang de Thau while onboard Athos? Mais oui, the well-known Languedoc combination of Picpoul de Pinet and oysters is the plat du soir!

Picpoul and Oysters while Onboard Athos

Wine Interest Charters on Athos

So, you’ve worked out which 10 of your favourite wine-drinking friends would enjoy a week together on Athos, cruising the Languedoc wine scene. Excellent! Now, Dannielle and Master of Wine, Juliet, will tweak our sample Wine-Interest itinerary to fit your cruising week and your group’s special interests.

Here’s a look at some of this year’s wine-interest charter photos taken by onboard photographer, Zsuzsa!

 

Tasting of organic wines at Clos de Gravillas, St Jean de Minervois

Juliet Bruce Jones talking to Athos passengers at Saint Jean de Minervois

And enter for tasting. At Clos du Gravillas.

Also present for tasting: Matt the Athos Tour Guide and Clos du Gravillas’ friendly Labrador.

Tasting!

John Bojanowski of Clos du Gravillas

Looking at the vats at Domaine Pierre Fil

State of the art stainless steel vats.

Racks and barrels with Cuvee OREBUS at Domaine Pierre Fil

Concrete vats at Domaine Pierre Fil

Juliet explaining the oaking and aging processes at Domaine Pierre Fil

More oak!

Tasting with Athos Wine Charter at Domaine Pierre Fil

How to Choose Your Best Bubbly

Although there is nothing wrong with being partial to a glass or two of Dom Perignon, a respectable sparkling wine doesn’t have to cost the price of a bottle of His own.

1. Determine your preferences for sparkles: Do you prefer:
– the traditional dry and biscuit-y taste of AOC Champagne or would you rather a wine that’s fruitier or even sweet?
– how do you like the size of the bubbles: smaller or larger / coarser or smoother?

In the Languedoc, a number of traditional grape varietals and fermentation methods are used which affect the generally-described differences above. Chenin and Mauzac, grapes used in the Languedoc “Blanquette” give for a fruitier, and often sweeter sparkling wine with finer bubbles than its drier counterpart, Cremant. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the predominant grapes in Cremant, and the no-sugar-added fermentation process produces a coarser bubble, making it generally more akin to traditional Champagne.

Both approaches have their merits. Sweeter sparkling can be a delightful accompaniment to dessert, or refreshing as a pre-dinner drink with savoury canapes. Most people are hard-pressed to find a bad accompaniment for a dry sparkling wine with a clean finish!

2. After the broad guidelines above, making a choice for a favourite in-house sparkling is a matter of tasting and testing.  Note: Some might find the taste-testing a demanding task – others less so.

Bubbly
Cremant de Limoux

Perfect Christmas Food Pairings to Go with Traditional Sweet Muscat from the Languedoc

Sweet Muscat or Muscat Doux is the white wine that comes from 4 soil-specific grape growing areas in the Languedoc:  St Jean de Minervois, Frontignan, Mireval et Lunel.  The Saint Jean de Minervois Muscat Doux naturel, or sweet muscat, is closest to Athos’ homeport and is often considered the most prestigious and refined of the 4 labels.  The muscat grape is harvested late and by hand.  An amusing fact about the muscat grape is that it is the only grape which is described as smelling purely of grapes, as opposed to some grape varieties which elicit more elaborate descriptions like red fruits, licorice, apricot, etc.

Although sweet wines are known as dessert wines in many countries, Muscat is served in a number of ways in France.  It is best known as an aperitif, or pre-dinner drink with savoury canapés.  Muscat can also be a fabulous pallet cleanser with either  cheese or dessert.  For example, a chocolate tarte garnished with grapes or fruit can be delightful with the sharp honeyed sweetness of muscat.  However, the winning combination by decades of Athos tests is in the local tradition: with Roquefort cheese.  Try the pallet-test we often do with passengers onboard Athos. Place a small bite of Roquefort on the tongue and follow with a sip of Muscat.  The tastes neutralise and compliment each other perfectly.

Here are some of Athos Chef’s ideas for perfect Muscat pairings at Christmas:

–       Foie gras and red onion confit on toasts

–       Roquefort on herb toasts

–       Poached pears with Roquefort & Muscat

–       Brioche toasts with pan-fried foie gras, salad greens & Muscat

–       Dried figs, apricots & Muscat

 

Domaine de Barroubio Muscat

The Athos 2013 Year in Pictures

Big thanks for photo-contributions from Athos passengers over the year, as well as to our very own onboard photographer, Zsuzsa!

[portfolio_slideshow id=2119]

 

Harvesting and Cruising with Athos

Athos passengers are often interested in taking part in the annual grape harvest. With 2,800km² of vines to harvest and vast volumes of wine to make, September and October are the most intense work periods of the year for Languedoc grape growers. Additionally, because a large amount of harvesting is now done by machine, it’s easy to understand why most growers aren’t able to include even the most enthusiastic tourists in their vendange plan.

However, the recently restored 18th century wine cave at Chateau Bize now offers both a traditional wine tasting and the opportunity to participate in harvesting. Grape picking can last as long as three hours or can be as short as an hour, finishing up with a guided tasting by the sommelier.

Long-time friend and Athos collaborator, Juliet Bruce-Jones, is a Master of Wine who has grown and vinified her own grapes for several years.  Last year, she called on friends and Athos passengers to help with her Syrah harvest.  It was a fun-filled day that included a generous picnic lunch prepared by Juliet’s aspiring chef husband. Below, photos of young helpers drive trailer loads of grapes from the fields to the (broken-down!) destemming machine at the cave.

Young help carting trailer loads of grapes between the vineyard and the cave.

Destemming grapes by hand.