Wine With Wanda

Elegant Sips from the South of France: The Wines of Maison Lorgeril

Miren de Lorgeril, CEO, Maison Lorgeril

Talk about Old World: the Lorgeril family has been making wine since 1620. But these prominent vintners are not stuck in the past. I recently had the pleasure of chatting on Instagram Live with Miren de Lorgeril, CEO of Maison Lorgeril, and discovered that the family enthusiastically embraces innovation without sacrificing authenticity. Lorgeril has expanded their footprint in the South of France, and they currently own six wineries in nine appellations of Languedoc and Roussillon.

During our chat, we tasted Lorgeril's Domaine de La Borie Blanche 2019, AOP Mivervois La Laviniere (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvédre, $27) and Chàteau de Pennautier 2019, AOP Cabarde (Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache, $27). Elegant and beautifully balanced, these wines have a depth of flavor – fruit, minerality, and bright acidity. Miren explains how terroir, including Lorgeril's high-altitude vineyards, influences their flavor profile. For Miren's tasting notes, watch the video below, or click this link.

Ooh La La, Minervois: The Wines of Château Tourril

image courtesy of Château Tourril

The south of France is only as far as your wine glass thanks to Château Tourril. A family owned winery located in the heart of the Languedoc, Tourril produces wines in the Minervois appellation with Syrah, Cinsault, old Carignan, Grenache, and Roussanne grapes. Here are three food-friendly wines from the Château Tourril portfolio that make it easy to experience an elegant taste of the Mediterranean.


Château Tourril "Helios" 2015 AOC Minervois ($17)
Produced from 100% Roussanne grapes, this is a gorgeous white wine with layers of flavor. Lovely hints of lavender, lemongrass, green apple and bright acidity make this dry white wine an absolute delight. A great match with sea food and goat cheese.


Château Tourril "Havana" Rosé 2015 AOC Minervois  ($13)
Produced from 70% Cinsault and 30% Grenache, this pale rosé packs enough power to pair with garlicky and herb-seasoned foods. Slightly tart with cherry, watermelon, and citrus flavors.

Château Tourril "Philippe" 2011 AOC Minervois ($15)
A blend of Carignan (40%), Syrah (30%) and Grenache (30%), this is a really beautiful red wine at a fantastic price! This full-bodied beauty has a rich ruby color with a tinge of purple. Luscious flavors of blackberries, plums, and blackcurrants are balanced by a subtle touch of earth, pepper, and smooth tannins. A great match with grilled and roasted meats, and even a rosemary seasoned lamb burger!

Olivier Dauga Makes Wines as Vibrant as His Personality!

"I protect nature and then I make the wine."
- Olivier Dauga, winemaker & consultant
image courtesy of Jasmine Hsu

As soon as I set eyes on Olivier Dauga, I knew that he was no ordinary winemaker! Chicly attired from head to toe in bold patterns and vibrant colors, all signs correctly indicated that Olivier and his wines would be far from boring.

Born in Libourne, a town in the heart of Bordeaux's vineyards, Olivier comes from a family of winegrowers with a passion for farming and the land. This commitment to the environment is a core principle for Olivier and he firmly stated, "I protect nature and then I make the wine." Self-taught, he honed his winemaking skills working at famous Bordeaux properties but it was a trip to Australia, and the creativity and innovation of those New World winemakers, that inspired him to set up his own wine consultancy, Le Faiseur de Vin, in 2000. In addition to his native France, Olivier has also made wine in Spain, Ukraine, and Morocco. A former professional rugby player, Olivier brings that spirit of teamwork, humility, and quest for excellence to his work as a winemaker and consultant.

I recently had the pleasure of tasting several wines that Olivier produced and consulted on for Vinadeis. Based in the south of France in the Languedoc Roussillon region, Vinadeis is France's largest still wine cooperative group. Olivier's ability to work with winegrowers to elevate their quality without sacrificing authenticity and uniqueness is impressive. Here are three wonderful wines that showcase Olivier's magic touch.

Château de Jonquières Cuvée Cersius Rosé 2015 ($14.99)
A very pretty shade of pink, this elegant and fresh rosé beautifully blends  Grenache (60%) and Cinsault (40%). Vibrant flavors of red berries with a lively touch of citrus make it a perfect thirst quencher on a hot summer day! 


Domaine de Cazelles Verdier "Les Pierres qui Chantent" 2015 ($21.99)
100% Chardonnay, this gorgeous wine subtly wows the palate with elegant layers of flavor. Full and round with flavors of tropical fruits, luscious creme brûlée, and a hint of citrus zest, I can taste why this wine won a gold medal at the Mondial de Bruxelles competition in 2015. The Verdier family has been making wine since 1713.


 Château Notre Dame du Quatourze "A fleur d'eau" 2014 ($24.99)
A bold red blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan grown on fully organic vineyards; this juicy fruit-forward wine is balanced by touches of savory spice. 



If you're planning a trip to France, you can taste a large selection of Vinadeis wines at their Wine Pavilion.

Visit www.vinadeis.com and www.olivierdauga.com for more information. Cheers!