Chateau de Paraza Minervois 2007

Less than $10/bottle

This little gem is one of my new favorites, and is outstanding!
I got it at a local store, and was blown away by it's softness yet wonderful taste. It reminds me of a soft Bordeaux or Margaux, and can be had with or without food. I'm looking into getting a case of it (at this price, why not!), and I hope to drink it within a year, though it may last quite a bit longer.
Grape varietals are: CARIGNANE, CINSAULT, GRENACHE, MOURVEDRE, SYRAH
Region: France > Languedoc et Roussillon >Languedoc > Minervois


Here's what The Wine Buyer has to say about this wine:
The Chateau de Paraza, located in the Minervois, in the heart of the Languedoc region, it towers above the plain of the Aude, a beautiful river flowing nearby. The castle's history is closely linked to the history of France and particularly to that of the Languedoc region, once very rich and still harbouring vestiges dating back to the Roman occupation.

Under Louis XIV, the Chateau de Paraza was the home of the famous engineer, Paul Riquet, responsible for the construction of the canal that links the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. This canal is world reknown and is called the Canal du Midi. From the castle terraces, created by Riquet as a thankyou to the owners for providing him with the accommodation, one can look out onto the canal as it descends towards the plain.

The vineyard, covering some 120 hectares, is located on a hillside facing the south. As in ancient times, the soil still produces an excellent grape.

The grape varieties grown here, particularly well adapted to this soil and regularly improved, produce rich and well balanced wines with a huge reputation. The marriage of the more traditional Carignan variety with Cinsault, Mourvedre and Grenache brings their wonderful character to the wines to which the new variety, Syrah, adds its rich aromas.


Wine Advocate gives this wine 90 points!


Enjoy!