Another lesser known AOC of France, Minervois is steadily on the rise for fine wine production. Perched in the hills of Southern France’s Languedoc, Minervois,Once dominated by the less desired Carignan grape, has over the years adopted the use of the Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes in their Red Blend. These ” improving varieties” are now required in the blend, by AOC regulations. In the process of improving quality of the region’s wine production, many Hectares of older, less popular grape vines in the AOC Minervois have been replaced with the more desirable Syrah Varietal.
The history, variety, and culture of the Languedoc, its winemakers and wine producers, make it one of the most varied and interesting wine regions in France. With the arrival of the Roman empire, the area opened up to widespread exterior influences which launched its wine production. The grape vines of the Minervois developed initially in the plains and were later planted in the higher grounds of the Minervois by monks who undertook the development of the Minervois. Today Minervois is the most famous wine-growing area of the Languedoc-Roussillon.
Chateau de Paraza Minervois Cuvee Speciale 2007
Situated in the heart of the Languedoc region, Chateau de Paraza is comprised of over 130 hectares of land, with over 65 made up of vines. Its history is intimately linked to the history of France, and most particularly that of the Languedoc region, with its very rich past and historical remains dating back to the Roman occupation. In 1682, Louis the XIV, on his journey to officially open the Canal of the Two Seas, stayed at the Chateau of Paraza. From the castle terraces, created by Canal Engineer Paul Riquet as a thank you to the owners for providing him with the accommodation, one can look out onto the canal as it descends towards the plain. As in ancient times, the soil at Paraza still produces an excellent grape. The grape varieties grown, particularly well adapted to this soil and regularly improved, produce rich and well balanced wines with a huge reputation. The marriage of the more traditional Carignan variety with Cinsault, Mourvedre and Grenache brings their wonderful character to the wines to which the new variety, Syrah, adds its rich aromas. The Chateau de Paraza Minervois Cuvee Speciale-2007 is a prime example and is definitely one of those wines you would want to buy by the case and keep around for the next couple of years to enjoy over and over again.
WA Review: “I have never visited Chateau de Paraza (a prominent landmark in the eponymous, tiny, canal-side village at the eastern extreme of its appellation) and it had been several years since I tasted one of their wines, but their 2007 Minervois Cuvee Speciale demonstrates that this well-known estate can still turn out a head-turning value. Very ripe blackberry fruit sweetly caresses the palate, with cinnamon, cardamom, juniper, black pepper, and cherry pit bitterness adding interest. For all of its richness (in itself amazing for the price) this finishes with lip-smacking juiciness and an invigorating impression akin to chomping down on the seeds of the blackberries. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.”-David Schildknecht Wine Advocate 90 Points
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