The Languedoc-Roussillon area of France is a source of well-made value wines, which are often overlooked. The area is a crescent-shaped amphitheater in southern France that borders Spain to the east and Provence to the west, all along the Mediterranean Sea. With over 700,000 acres to vine, it alone produces as much if not more wine than all of the U.S. This area has had a reputation for producing cheap, bulk wine, which was often less expensive than water. But in the 1980s, producers in the North (ie, Burgundy, Rhone) realized that the mild climate and rolling terrain were conducive to making quality wines.

This area is now one of the most innovative and exciting wine production areas in the world. With the influx of talented producers making wines with expression and employing modern vinification techniques, the wine quality has improved greatly throughout the past 15 years, becoming a paradise for bargain hunters.

The better wines from this area fall into two categories. The first is AOC (Appellation d'Origine Controllee). These are distinct geographical areas that are governed and controlled. The wine is usually a blend of traditional Rhone-Mediterranean varietals of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Cinsault. The second category is Vin de Pays d'Oc, which enables winemakers to name their wine by its varietal (ie, Chardonnay, Merlot), something that can't occur with AOC wines. Vin de Pays are translated as "Local Wines" and represent a growing number of great value wines. When you stop in ask us to show you are our selection of Languedoc wines, one we are even tasting this weekend.

2003 Chateau d'Orschwihr Tokay/Pinot Gris Bollenberg, France. Chateau d'Orschwihr has been around since the 11th century. After being owned by local nobility, the current owners purchased the Chateau in 1854. Chateau d'Orschwihr owns its vineyards and has total control over all yields, thus guaranteeing exceptional aromatic concentration as well as an impressive longevity. Its Tokay/Pinot Gris is a great example of why we all should have an Alsatian white on our summer wine lists. Crisp and refreshing, it first gives a fruity impression, but then changes to a light mineral profile. This combination provides a fruit freshness that's balanced by a nice acidity. Pairing well with salads, white meat, and fishes in light-based sauces, it's a decadent French white that will keep for 1-2 years more. ($21.99)

2006 A-Mano Fiano-Greco, Italy. Apulia, or Puglia, is so easy to fall in love with: old, head-trained vineyards and a history of grape-growing in harmony with nature, everything necessary for top-quality wines. A-Mano comes from the heart of the Primitivo area, in the low hills east of Taranto. The climate is classically Mediterranean, as Puglia, the "heel of the boot," is a peninsula between the Adriatic and the Ionian seas. Fiano-Greco is a blend of two ancient native grapes that have recently seen a crescendo of appreciation both in Italy and abroad. With its bright, straw yellow color, it's the harbinger of crystal-clear aromas and marvelous elegance. Lively mineral notes on the nose prelude fresh, floral nuances gradually followed by fuller, riper scents of white fruit - notably pear and melon. The complex, fascinating bouquet is confirmed on the palate - fresh, fruity, and silky textured with an extremely persistent, mineral finish. Splendid as an aperitif or with delicate pasta dishes, fish or shellfish. ($12.99)

2005 Mas de Guiot Grenache/Syrah, France. This Languedoc blend is a dark, chunky mix of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, all aged in stainless steel, as opposed to oak, to allow the fruit shine fully. Quite extracted and ripe, the flavors have a plum and cherry focus with additional meaty, blackberry/blueberry characters that dovetail nicely with the kirsch-influenced Grenache notes. All these flavors and nuances are of true character of red Languedoc wines. What a wine for the price, and one we will taste on Saturday. ($11.99)

Farnese Opis Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Reserva DOC, Italy. A divine Italian selection. The Farnese vineyards are situated among the hills in the provinces of Chieto and Teramo. The vineyards are constantly monitored by two argonomists that take care of every step of cultivation to ensure the highest quality. The Opis is garnet red in color with intense and persistent fragrances and spicy (tobacco and wood) liquorice scents. This full bodied wine is soft, yet intense, and persistent with black cherry, blueberry and blackberry nuances. After tasting it, we deemed it ready to drink now, but we anticipate it will age for another 5 years. It's best served with savory first courses of meat or grilled foods and seasoned cheeses. ($33.99)

Friday, July 13 (5 pm to 8 pm)

2004 Santa Anastasia Nero d'Avola, Sicily, Italy. Located along the northern coastline of Sicily, between the Mediterranean and the Madonie mountain range some 988 acres of farmland have been transformed into a model, ultramodern winery. Indigenous to Sicily, Nero d'Avola is the area's most important red wine grape. Its wines have often been compared to New World Shiraz. This decadent selection is ruby red with an intense, appealing, brambly nose reminiscent of berries and red fruit. Concentrated from small, well extracted crops, fine-tuned by a brief sojourn in oak, the mouth feel is rich, smooth and silky. A lovely companion to grilled summer foods or antipasto. ($13.99)

2006 A-Mano Fiano-Greco, Italy. Please see notes above in the Savory Selections area.

Farnese Opis Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Reserva DOC, Italy. Please see notes above in the Savory Selections area.

Saturday, July 14 (3 pm to 7 pm) Bastille Day

2005 Chateau du Salvard Cheverney, Loire, France. From France's Loire Valley, this wine is made from Sauvignon Blanc, but as you will note it's different from the New Zealand and California styles. On the nose, it displays nice aromas of lemon, orange rind and peaches that are true to this grape. Light-to-medium in body with a refreshing mouthfeel, this selection is perfect for summer and shellfish! The warmer '05 vintage allow this wine to show more concentrated fruit flavors that are lush, yet elegant. Lovely for summertime drinking. ($13.49).

2005 Mas De Guiot Grenache/Syrah, France. Please see notes above in the Savory Selections area.

email: jessica@thesavorygrape.com

phone: 401.886.9463

web: http://www.thesavorygrape.com