The 2014 Tour de France is making its way through the Languedoc-Roussillon this weekend. That part of the country, which encompasses the Mediterranean coastline stretching from the rugged Pyrenees mountains to Provence, happens to be one of the largest wine producing region in France. Soil types and terroir vary widely throughout the Pays d’Oc IGP and winemakers there have more than 56 grape varieties to play with, so this enormous wine region produces very diverse wines.
I don’t follow the Tour de France as religiously as I do the World Cup (though to be fair, if the Tour de France happened only once every 4 years, maybe I would…) but I do like my wine, and in the summer I especially like my rosé. And wouldn’t you know, the Pays d’Oc IGP happens to produce some very fine rosés… Here’s a trio of wine, two rosés and one white, all under $20, from the Pays d’Oc IGP that you might want to try, whether you’re sipping them while watching the Tour de France or not.
Anne de Joyeuse, Camas, Pinot Noir Rosé 2013, Pays d’Oc IGP (available at Modern Liquor and Calvert Woodley) is a medium bodies, dry rosé with bright acidity. It typically retails in the $10 range, making it a GREAT value wine.
Villa des Anges, Old Vines Rosé, Cinsault 2013, Pays dOc IGP (available at Cork on 14th street for $14.99) is a perfect warm weather drink! It’s crisp, fresh and light bodied and pairs perfectly with salad or grilled pork or chicken.
Nice recommendations! Funny your comment about following the World Cup and the Tour de France, I totally understand you 🙂