Learn about wine:

This is the page all about wine, with emphasis on the French Wines of the Languedoc, information that it is hoped the wine lovers amongst you will all have been waiting for.

At regular intervals there will be informative pages "All About Wine" added to this section of the site, rekindling the interest in one of the ancient wine growing regions of the most famous wine producer in the World . . . France.

Discover about the conflicts between the old vinification methods and the new, all about the countryside and all about the people and lots more as the months go by.

Do or Die, the turning point for the Co-operatives - Deep in the Languedoc region of southern France, an area of wine production surpassing any other in the country, there is a struggle for survival for the old village 'Cave Co-operatives' trying to exist in the 21st century with the onslaught of international competition in an over abundant marketplace . . . read more

The Wine Co-operatives of France ~ Chateau de Ventenac Minervois - Ventenac is a lovely little village located in the Minervois wine-growing region of the Languedoc, set on the banks of the picturesque Canal du Midi with the northerly protection of the Montagne Noire behind. The village is only small, yet is extremely welcoming and well worth a visit not only for its wine cave but also for the ambiance of its setting. Here you can sit on the banks of the canal and watch the world go by, or eat in one of its busy, yet non-expensive restaurants, overlooking the Cana . . . read more

WINE OF THE MONTH

Duos:
Cépage: 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Chardonnay

From the black mountains in the Minervois region of the Languedoc. This delightful white is light and crisp with slight gooseberry tones. Duos is an obvious choice for fish, but a pleasant, subtle alternative with chicken or indeed rabbit. The dry sauvignon blanc grape cuts through the heavier chardonnay grape, giving the all over taste of the wine a gentle dryness, with a hint of fruit.

Fontsainte Réserve la Demoiselle:
Cépage: 50% Carignan, 25% Grenache Noir and 25% Syrah

A velvet wine from the Corbiéres region of the Languedoc. This is truly a smooth operator! Aged for 12 months in oak, strong in body but subtle with it's richness. A fully versatile red for drinking with strong flavoured meats and winter casseroles.

St Jean de Minervois:
Cépage: 100% Muscat

A voluptuous desert wine from the Minervois. With rich flower aromas and deeply flavoured, this rich fruity desert wine is stunning chilled for aperitifs as well.

If you would like to buy any of the above wines then contact us by emailing info@hub-uk.com

MATCH YOUR WINE WITH YOUR FOOD
Match a recipe to the wines of the month

Civit of Lamb with Dijon mustard and Muscat

The recipe calls for both Duos and St Jean de Minervois to be used in the ingredients. The balance of the recipe is influenced by these two wines so try not to use any old dregs of wine found in the larder. The quality of the wine seriously influences the flavour of the food and how much nicer to enjoy a glass whilst you are cooking.

The dish is robust enough to be eaten with Fontsainte Demoiselle but if you prefer the lighter white, the Duos is strong enough to cope with the richness of the meal but does not compete with it like a 100% chardonnay or an overly dry sancerre or sauvignon.

. . . get cooking

TRAVEL AND WINE ~ TRAVEL DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

Stay in a magnificent Napoleon III Chateau in the Minervois wine region of Southern France. Until 1990, Le Domaine du Puits es Pratx, was once the heart of an active wine Domaine that is now surrounded by six acres of peaceful gardens and small vineyard.

Guests will visit selected family producers by appointment, producers one would never find as a casual visitor, deep in the countryside. The owners will stop to spend time with the guests and give them a thorough understanding of their wines, including the cépages (grape varieties) and with some a tour of the Ché (wine production area). They are proud to give you a dégustation (wine tasting) and guests have the opportunity to buy wines at the end of their tour from the Chateau at vineyard prices.

This section is written and contributed by GoHolidayFrance organisers of Cooking Holidays and Wine Tours in the Languedoc region of France

For details of the Cooking Holidays <click here> or the Wine Tours <click here>