Les Domaines Robert Vic, ‘La Balade’, 2023, Minervois (AOC)

'One-Liner'
A dark, generous Minervois with blackcurrant, blackberry and a gently wild garrigue edge.

Tasting Note
Deep red in the glass with violet hints. The nose leans into blackcurrant, blackberry and a touch of Mediterranean herb. On the palate it is full, rounded and warm, with ripe dark fruit, soft tannins and a long, harmonious finish. This is a sun-filled southern French red, but it stays balanced rather than blowsy.

Country: France
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Sub-Region: Minervois AOC
Grape(s): 60% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 10% Cinsault
ABV: 14.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
Berlin Wine Trophy - Gold

The Story
The Vic family has been running vineyards in the Languedoc since 1905, and today Jérôme Vic and Aurélie Vic continue that work from Preignes le Vieux, between Agde and Béziers. Minervois is a very good fit for a wine like this: limestone-rich ground, Mediterranean warmth and the sort of scrubland landscape that so often seems to find its way into the glass as dark fruit, herbs and spice. La Balade feels true to that setting – generous and characterful, but still properly held together.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Braised lamb with rosemary and garlic
- Vegetarian: Roast aubergine with spiced tomatoes and whipped feta
- Vegan: Smoky Lentil and Roasted Pepper Stew with Olive Oil Potatoes