Frequent readers will know that I have a bit of a thing for wines of the Languedoc, but mostly I concentrate my explorations to the dark earthy reds that are so unique to the area. I came across this wine recently, though, and because it was summer and I was looking for a few nice wines that might go well with some Latin or Asian foods, I had to give it a try.

Pic Saint Loup, where this wine is made is one of the easternmost parts of the Languedoc in Southeast France, and is dominated by a mountain of the same name. This is a more arid section of the country with stony, poor soils that are planted with the regions signature grapes, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Carignan.

The latter two of those varietals are likely responsible for some of the flavors in this rose, which is made from the Coteaux du Languedoc, basically the table-wine of the region which can contain as many as all five of the above grapes.

Chateau La Roque is one of the larger estates in the region and produces some of the better values there, so I am told. I don’t know much about them, and my efforts to find out on the Internet have resulted in only the tidbit that the shutters on their beautiful Chateau are a unique shade of lilac.

Tasting Notes:
A light copper salmon in the glass this very pretty wine has a nose of wet stones, apples and the barest scent of strawberries. In the mouth a crisp acidy surrounds flavors of unripe pears, cranberries, and minerals which continue into the finish that has a hint of floral components.

Food Pairing:
This is a great wine to have with spicy foods, but also a fantastic brunch wine, to accompany various egg dishes, but especially my favorite, classic eggs benedict.

Overall Score: 8

How Much?: $10

This wine is imported by Kermit Lynch in Berkeley and is available through his store there. It may also be found online if you do a little searching.