Recently, the popular social media wine site VinePair reported on their survey of professional sommeliers regarding which wine regions they believe are the most underrated. Everyone has heard of wine regions such as Napa, Bordeaux and Brunello, which are famous for the high quality, and price, of their wines. The lesser-known and underrated regions highlighted by the pro’s all have many producers who offer high quality wines at relatively low prices. One of my favorite appellations in this list of great-value producers is Languedoc (LONG-eh-Dauck).
A fascinating and historic area famous for beautiful French-Roman villages and epic scenic drives, the Languedoc-Roussillon borders the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Pyrenees Mountains to the south. The region benefits from a very vine-friendly Mediterranean Climate and has a proliferation of old-vines and many wineries that focus on organic and sustainable practices.
Languedoc grows quality varietals from the Rhone Valley (Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Viognier) as well as Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc) and produces interesting and delicious blends, one of which I report on here.
Mas Belles Eaux, Languedoc 2009
Syrah 60%, Grenache 30%, Mourvedre 10%
This wine is an intense, juicy red blend with a full mouthfeel of ripe red plum and raspberry. The fruit is smoothly layered and balanced with soft tannins and there is plenty of fresh berry acidity. The long finish is rich and warm with a hint of spice. Delicious on its own and stands up well to spicy, smoky barbecue. As with many reds from Languedoc-Roussillon, this wine at around $20 per bottle is a great value. 92/100
fumblingviniferist 
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