Chateau Negly La Clape La Cote 2024

Region: Languedoc, France

Grape Variety: Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre

The tiny coastal appellation of La Clape, located in the Languedoc region of France, suffers from an unfortunate name but has a fascinating history. During Roman times, this was a well-known island that sat off the coast near the city of present-day Narbonne. Over time, the alluvium of the Aude River filled in the estuary that separated it from the coast, making it part of the mainland. Today, it is covered with vines as growers take advantage of the deep limestone soils, nearly constant sunshine, and gentle breezes.

La Clape is one of the few Languedoc regions to often focus on white wines, but here we have chosen this dynamic red. Made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, it is aged in a combination of large oak foudres and concrete. The nose is classic south of France, with notes of dried plum, dried fig, milk chocolate, bay leaf, black olives, and chalk. While a big wine, it does have a frame of minerality and freshness you do not often find in the Languedoc. Drink this wine with lamb burgers and tzatziki sauce, lentils with curry, or slow-roasted pork shoulder with olives and oranges.