2015 Domaine Begude "Les Paradis" Viognier Pays d’Oc

Staff Reviews

JM

John Majeski

John Majeski

Planted to a southern exposure, this slow-ripening northern Rhône variety develops lovely fruit in Limoux—as long as the local wild boar, deer and birds, seduced by the profuse aromas, don’t get to it first! Picked immediately before pressing to preserve the succulent appeal of the fruit, this wine has a measure of restraint in its delicate interplay of pear, nectarine and honeysuckle aromas, with welcoming notes of peach and apricot on the enticing, mouthwatering palate. Recommended with a spicy Moroccan chicken tagine, this also drinks beautifully as an aperitif, and at a very desirable price.

Notes

Domaine Begude is a small, family-owned property located high in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the Limoux region of the Languedoc. Proprietor James Kinglake believes that Viognier has incredible potential in the region. The natural climatic influence of the Pyrenees to the south, the Atlantic to the west and the Mediterranean to the east provides a haven for grape varieties that excel in a cooler climate. The Viognier vineyards are at approximately 240 meters and are planted on a mix of clay-limestone soils. Though they are not going for Condrieu, the goal is to make one of the best Viogniers that the south of France has to offer. Cost to quality, you'll most definitely agree.