2019 Domaine De Fontsainte Corbières

Domaine de Fontsainte takes its name from a thermal spring that was later associated with a saint, hence the name “saint’s fountain.” Since the 17th century the Laboucarié family has been making wine in the region, and today the family owns and operates a 100-acre estate in the hamlet of Boutenac in Corbières. Domaine de Fontsainte grows the red grapes of the region, which are Grenache Gris, Carignan, Mourvedre, Grenache Gris and Syrah. Along with its deep, robust red blends, the estate is known for its Gris de Gris Rosé.

Languedoc-Roussillon is very large wine-producing region in south and southwestern France extending along the Mediterranean coast from northern Spain to the Rhone Valley. It includes more than 800,000 vineyard acres and numerous appellations, nearly all created since the mid-20th century. Languedoc-Roussillon produces one-third of all the wine made in France and it long had a reputation for quantity over quality. In the last few decades, however, outside investors and some long-time local producers have greatly improved vineyard practices and winemaking. The result is that Languedoc-Roussillon is now home to many entrepreneurially-minded producers highly focused on quality, and it enjoys a buzz among wine buyers looking for well-crafted, robust wines offered at excellent values. The most successfully grown red grapes are the traditional Rhone varietals of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah, though Carignan and Cinsault are also planted. The intense sun and dry weather makes it tougher to grow white grapes, though Chardonnay and some other white grapes are often successful. Chardonnay is used for the popular sparkling wine Crémant de Limoux, a Languedoc-Roussillon appellation created in 1990.