Jun. 23
It was the second day in Languedoc but virtually it is the first day here.
The purpose of the tour is inspection and education for Languedoc wine for us by CIVL.
Seven importers in Japan will go to vineyards & wineries in AOC Languedoc area within 4 days.
Initially, we went to the head office of CIVL and had a lecture for Languedoc wine by Christine B Molines, who is the export managar of CIVL.
Even Languedoc is known about huge volume of table wine product area before, the quality of fine AOC wines have been improving remarkably.
Recently, the quality wine product area is officially segmentalized as Cru, Gran Vin, Villages AOC, Commune AOC and Commune IGP.
I was educated a lot by the lecture and know here has a big movement.
After the study, we moved to Corbieres, one of the most famous AOC, and had a nice lunch with representatives of AOC Corbieres.
After left Japan 36 hours, it was the first fine meal and wine.
They were so delicious!
When I came to Languedoc, I always enjoyed Languedoc cuisine very much, very fresh & natural seafood, vegetables and meats.
Especially, the strawberries were outstanding!
After the fine lunch, we saw several typical style of vineyards in Corbieres.
Then we joined to a professional tasting at Chateau Ciceron owned by Domaine Auriol.
8 wineries gathered and waited for our party.
Actually, Cave de Relax is agent in Japan of Domaine Auriol.
We imports our popular Vin de Pays d’Oc “Vincent Bouquet” and several fines “Domaine” wines.
Mr. Emmanuel MONTES, who is the export manager of Domaine Auriol, welcomed us.
We tried to taste Corbieres wines very seriously.
All of the many wines had very fine character and quality.
Especially, I was impressed in Carignan grapes fine quality improving.
I didn’t know such a big potential of the grape variety.
I like the fine acidity from the grape.
After the tasting, we came back to Narbonne and had a fine dinner with the representatives of AOC Corbieres.
“Why? Why are you here, Francoise? ”
She is my old friend.
We met each other on some business situation 18 years ago and have been keeping in touch.
She came to Japan last month and had a meeting with me three weeks ago.
She didn’t tell me she would join to us here.
Surprise, Surprise!
The wines and cuisines were very, very good !
It was a very busy and impressive day and night.
Thank you very much!
