From: Pays d’Oc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste: It presents a garnet red hue in the glass. The nose is greeted with delightful notes of raspberry and cherry, enriched by subtle undertones of smoke, pepper, and thyme - a harmonious blend that speaks to the wine's origin and the garrigue that is indicative of the Languedoc-Roussillon. On the palate, it mirrors the aromatics in its fruity and elegant balance that leads to a silky, long finish.
Pairing: For a classic pairing, consider serving it alongside roasted duck or grilled chicken, where the wine's berry notes will beautifully complement the richness of the poultry. The wine's subtle smoky and peppery undertones also make it a perfect match for dishes with earthy flavors, such as mushroom risotto or truffle-infused pasta, enhancing the umami and savory characteristics of both the food and the wine. Vegetarian options such as roasted beet salad with goat cheese or stuffed bell peppers with quinoa and herbs also pair wonderfully, with the wine's acidity cutting through the creaminess of the cheese and the freshness of the vegetables enhancing the wine's aromatic profile.
This simple southern French recipe inspired by the Provence area, a neighboring icon in food and wine, would pair wonderfully with this wine. Embracing similar climates and food culture make this recipe an easy pairing with this Pinot Noir.
Roasted Chicken Provençal
Recipe from Steven Stolman
Adapted by Sam Sifton
About. Philippe Lebrun, with his profound understanding of winemaking and oenology acquired in the heart of Burgundy, has been instrumental in shaping the identity of the Réserve de Marande range. His philosophy emphasizes the significance of terroir and its influence on the wine's character. Lebrun's dedication to crafting single-varietal wines that best express their origin has led to the creation of wines that taste extraordinary and embody the unique qualities of the Gascony and Languedoc regions.
Lebrun's voyage into the world of winemaking began in the vineyards of Burgundy. Here, Lebrun honed his skills, absorbing the nuances of viticulture and oenology that would later become the cornerstone of his winemaking philosophy. His education in Burgundy equipped him with technical knowledge and instilled a profound respect for the land and the vines that sprawl across it.
With a solid foundation in the principles of winemaking, Philippe set his sights on the diverse and dynamic landscapes of Southern France, particularly the Languedoc-Roussillon and Gascony regions. With their unique climates and soils, these areas presented an untapped potential for producing wines of extraordinary character and complexity.
Languedoc-Roussillon is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, which means it enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. This climate is ideal for grape growing, as it ensures that grapes have ample sunshine to ripen fully. Despite the overall warmth, the region is subject to cooling influences that are crucial for quality winemaking. These include the Tramontane and Mistral winds, which blow from the northwest and help to regulate vineyard temperatures, reducing humidity and cooling the grapes during the hot summer months. The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea also provides a moderating influence, ensuring temperature variations between day and night that are beneficial for preserving acidity and developing aromatic complexity in the grapes.
"Pays d'Oc" refers to a geographical indication (Indication Géographique Protégée, or IGP) that covers the vast wine-producing area in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, extending into parts of the Rhône Valley. The Pays d'Oc IGP is renowned for its flexible approach to winemaking and the promotion of varietal wines, often labeled with the grape variety from which they were made. This approach differs from the more traditional AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) system in France, which often imposes stricter regulations on grape varieties, yields, and winemaking practices.
The significance of the Pays d'Oc IGP lies in its ability to showcase the diversity and quality of wines that can be produced in the Languedoc-Roussillon's varied terroir. It allows winemakers to experiment with both international and indigenous grape varieties, creating wines that range from fresh, aromatic whites and rosés to complex, full-bodied reds. The flexibility of the Pays d'Oc IGP has played a crucial role in the modernization of the Languedoc-Roussillon wine industry, helping to elevate the region's status on the global wine stage.
The Réserve de Marande Pinot Noir is a product of this exceptional terroir, carefully selected from the sunniest areas to encapsulate the essence of the region's ‘garrigue’. This term evokes the aromatic blend of wild herbs typical of the Southern French countryside.
The elaboration of the Réserve de Marande Pinot Noir is a delicate process that combines traditional techniques with innovative practices. The key to its success lies in the selection of optimally ripe grapes. This strategy preserves the elegant style of Pinot Noir while ensuring the full expression of its aromatic potential. The vinification process is twofold: a portion of the grapes is harvested early and undergoes fermentation at low temperatures to enhance fruity aromas, while the remainder, picked at full ripeness, is macerated traditionally. The aging of one-third of the blend in French oak barrels complements this dual approach. This practice imbues the wine with additional layers of complexity and sophistication.
