Languedoc-Roussillon Has Arrived
12-Bottle Sampler
by Tom Wolf
Arguably no image epitomized the early decades of KLWM quite as much as Gail Skoff’s iconic photo of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The most majestic formation of the southern Rhône Valley, and surrounded by Gigondas, Beaumes-de-Venise, and Vacqueyras, the Dentelles represented an up-and-coming region teeming with unheralded but incredible talent and terroirs.
If Gail were to take such a photo in 2023, symbolizing our sixth decade in business, I wouldn’t be surprised if she chose Pic Saint-Loup. Half an hour north of Montpellier, this stunning limestone mountain towers above a region, the Languedoc-Roussillon, which is overflowing today with thoughtful and savvy vignerons and vastly underrated vineyard sites. The selections below come from biodynamic trailblazers, ancient vines that would fill any vigneron from Burgundy or Bordeaux with envy, and slopes so steep and awe-inspiring they give Côte-Rôtie’s a run for their money. These beautiful and soulful wines are proof that the Languedoc-Roussillon has fully arrived.