Building the annual onboard wine list is always an adventure. From year to year, we follow our palates, and the trusty advice of friend & Master of Wine, Juliet Bruce-Jones. Most years Athos keeps to many of the tried and true Languedoc wineries, although we occasionally switch up for something new and interesting.
Last weekend saw a quick tasting at Chateau La Negly. La Negly is one of the tried and true Languedoc producers, and a must-taste for wino’s and cruisers of the Languedoc. Here’s what we bought to add to our 2015 list –
La Natice – an exceptional diversion from the region’s many good dry & fruity Languedoc roses. Although crisp and dry, La Natice delivers a fragrant, almost perfume-y strawberry nose. Elegant. And it’s a posh bottle.
La Natice, perfectly elegant rosé.
La Brise Marine – la Negly sits directly on the coastline between Vendres and Narbonne Plage and so is directly exposed to the ocean air, or “brise marine” and its clay mineral soil. Made from 70% Bourboulenc and 30% Roussanne grapes, giving notes of peaches, mango and almonds, this is a perfect pairing for seafood.
La Brise Marine, AOC Coteaux de Languedoc
La Falaise 2011 Coteaux de Languedoc: In fact, sold out. But Negly have pulled out all the stops and gone digging in their cellars to come out with enough of the 2011 for Athos’ 2015 season. Here’s what Curious Wines said about it: “This deep ruby red Syrah (50%), Grenache (40%) and Mourvèdre (10%) blend shows raspberry and blackberry fruit with undertones of chocolate and black olives on the nose. Hints of liqourice and roasted coffee beans mingle with dark fruit on the palate, where the wine displays ripe, smooth tannins and a long, savoury finish.” Cheers!
