Meridiem Montpeyroux L'Orangeraie 2022

Region: Montpeyroux, France

Grape Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre

The cru of Montpeyroux is unique in the Languedoc, a single village standing alone between the other Languedoc AOPs of Faugères and Pic St. Loup.  The vineyards are at elevations over 1000 feet above sea level and the soil is limestone rubble, so poor in organic material that you wonder how anything can survive. At night the winds sweep down off the imposing Larzac plateau, cooling the area and stretching out the growing season to make this one of the Languedoc’s latest ripening appellations. In an interesting contrast to the wine above this is made from the same grapes and in similar manner. The only real difference is the climate and soil, which is astonishing given their differences.

Like above, decant this wine for at least a half hour before serving. Unlike the riper wine above, this one is more reticent, with notes of fresh red cherries and black raspberries, dried thyme, bay leaf, oregano and gardenia. On the palate this wine is slightly lighter and the tannins and acidity more obvious. There is a precision to the fruit that is unusual for many Languedoc wines and while good now it is only starting to show its true character. Drink 2025-230.