We thank long term friend of the agency, Andrew Barrow LRPS, winner of Champagne Louis Roederer Artistry Award, for allowing us to share his post on Foncalieu’s Les Illustres Coteaux d’Ensérune.
Coteaux d’Ensérune anyone? -Nope, me neither (writes Andrew). It is one of those obscure little areas down Langeudoc-way, an IGP (Indication Geographique Protégée) inaugurated in 2009. The Pays d’Hérault map (above) places it right in the centre of that great arc of vineyards that make up the Languedoc. The Ensérune hill top is an archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Les Vignobles Foncalieu is the region’s wine cooperative which, for this wine, have combined eight winegrowers expertise.
This is a unique cuvée that draws its energy through the ancient silos dug by the Romans out of the soft rock of molasses at the Oppidum d’Ensérune, the famous archaeological site listed as a ‘Monument National de France’ where the remains of an ancient village still stand.
This is a unique cuvée that draws its energy through the ancient silos dug by the Romans out of the soft rock of molasses at the Oppidum d’Ensérune, the famous archaeological site listed as a ‘Monument National de France’ where the remains of an ancient village still stand.
Les Vignobles Foncalieu, Les Illustres, Coteaux d’Enérune, 2012
Just 19,500 bottles of the 2012 Les Illustres were produced from 60% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Malbec. The one I consumed was bottle number 38. The eight winegrowers have their signatures on the wine label.
Via the Vivino app I found that The Secret Cellar is listing the wine at £21. Also those fine fellows at Fine Wines Direct list Les Illustres Coteaux d’Ensérune at £25. The fabulous palate with hints of liquorice and tobacco could probably do with a few more years in bottle.
The tale of the Atelier Prestige de Foncalieu is one of a handful of producers working together to reach new heights, to strive for even greater excellence. In this sunny land in the south of France, they constantly cherish their land to stir and inspire us: artisanal work to enhance the fruit and create concentrated wines with remarkable balance and freshness…
