Weekday wines - 2022 Domaine Ancely ‘La Muraille’ Minervois

Quick! What’s the oldest winemaking location in France? What area has the greatest number of organic vineyards? And what’s the largest wine producing area?

If you answered ‘Languedoc’, go right to the head of the class! The area has around 700,000 acres (2,800 km2) under vines and is the single biggest wine-producing region in the world, being responsible for more than a third of France's total wine production. The history of Languedoc wines can be traced to the first vineyards planted along the coast near Narbonne by the early Greeks in the fifth century BC. 

But what of this wine? It's a blend (as all wines from Minervois must be) of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Carignan, and is thus full and rich with aromas and flavors of black berry, black pepper and herbs. Smooth and polished, this is a great winter wine, able to stand up to any number of roasts or stews yet pliable enough to satisfy the need for just a glass of red wine. (PW)