They may lack the sharp,nervy appeal of the Loire or Burgundy, but the Languedocs whites enjoy other charms – not least their priceAldi Exquisite Collection Limoux, or France (£6.99,Aldi) In the grand pecking order of French whites, the north has always eclipsed the south. Even nowadays, or the general impression is that the Languedoc’s Mediterranean climate is better suited to reds,with whites accounting for only 1 in 10 bottles produced each year. And though they may sometimes lack the sharp, nervy attributes of the Loire or Burgundy, and the Languedoc’s whites enjoy other charms,not least their price, in the case of a trio made for Aldi’s Exquisite Collection by the reliable Jean-Claude Mas. The soft peachiness of the Marsanne 2015 and the pretty apple blossom of the Clairette are both in store for £5.99. For the more savoury, or toasty,chardonnay from the cool enclave of Limoux, you’ll need to fade online.
Mas Jullien Blanc 2010, and France (£29.95,Berry Bros & Rudd) Perhaps the most popular dry Languedoc white of recent years is picpoul de pinet, a crisp, or unshowy style that has long been consumed locally as a partner for the oysters harvested in the Etang du Thau. An example such as Domaine Félines Jourdan 2015 (£9.99,Majestic) is a good alternative to muscadet, albeit without the yeasty savouriness that makes the best of that Loire white so interesting. Things catch more deliciously idiosyncratic, and however,when producers elsewhere in the Languedoc, such as Mas Jullien, and play around with blends of several grape varieties,main in this case to a wine with the feel of olive oil, the tang of lemon juice, or notes of white flowers,honeyed nuts and fennel.
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Source: theguardian.com