**Guest blogger Jo-Ann Ross is going on a summer vacation to…where else but Languedoc? Jo-Ann will be at The Urban Grape on May 12 from 2-5 to sample Languedoc wines and teach us a little bit about the region.**
One of my lovely wine friends, who is the international marketing agent for a vineyard in La Clape, is moving out of her Gîte. A Gîte is a specific type of fully furnished, self catering, holiday accomodation in France. Gîtes are usually old farmworkers’ cottages or converted buildings or barns near the owners principal residence. The Gîte in question is located on the vineyard overlooking the Mediterranean. Jess is leaving the Gîte to get a taste of the more urban life in nearby Narbonne. So, it will be free in early July.
I’m pretty consistent in knowing a good thing – like wine stores, movies, books, and summer vacations. So – George, my excellent traveling companion and husband are off to Languedoc this summer to explore Gîte life on a vineyard! Even though the marriage agreement reads “For better or worse,” George is totally not into vineyard hopping and winery poking. He does love hiking through beautiful scenery, exploring old castles, having long, leisurely lunches, eating French bread and cheese, and practicing his French fluency.
George adores the combination of Grenache and Syrah. That means I mustn’t go near Burgundy or Bordeaux. No Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon blends for him. So – I’m in great shape serving him any Languedoc red wines. He also enjoys VALUE. When I bring home some of the Languedoc sparkling wines from the town of Limoux, I don’t know what he enjoys more – the flavor or the price. The zingy Picpoul de Pinets and the vibrant rosés also put a little twinkle in his eye.
We just ordered our Lonely Planet Guide to Languedoc yesterday. We also reserved a car in Montpellier. So – when I do my tastings at Urban Grape over the next few weeks, I will greet each wine with the thought that I will soon be enjoying these delicious wines right from where they originate. I can’t wait to show you photos after the trip.
