Roc D’Anglade, Vin de Pays (Languedoc, France) 2013

 Last week, while traveling for a wedding, I had the privilege of stopping by Pascaline Lepeltier’s restaurant, Chambers, in New York City.  It was there that I was introduced to Roc D’Anglade’s Vin de Pays Rouge.  This certified organic wine is a Carignan-dominant blend, rounded out with Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault.  A decade on, the 2013 is drinking wonderfully right now.  Its tannins are just beginning to mellow while still providing pleasant structure and texture, along with tertiary notes that are starting to come through on the nose and palate.  Red plum, cherry, orange peel, dried violets, olive, and tree moss all come together nicely with the wine’s modest 13% alcohol and balanced acidity, creating a delicately complex and elegant wine.  It may be a bit off the beaten path, but this wine is a real treat if you come across it!