WINE OF THE WEEK: Domaine Silène des Peyrals 2021, Grés de Montpellier Languedoc, France
- Joanna Simon
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 26
£19.50, Vintage Roots
Grés de Montpellier only became an AOP in its own right from the 2024 vintage (appellation controlée in the old terminology), so this 2021 predates that and has to say Languedoc after Grès de Montpellier on the label, but its quality soars way above many a more famous southern French AOP.
It was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels and is deep crimson in colour with weight and power carried airily by seamless, silky tannins, generous fruit and drifts of irises, black cherries, garrigue herbs, spices (nutmeg sweetness and the slightly bitter, woody cinnamon note of cassia bark) and a hint of blood orange.
The blend of Domaine Silène des Peyrals varies from vintage to vintage – all wines of the AOP have to be a blend of at least two of the sanctioned varieties – but this 2021 is Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan and Grenache Noir from 25–30 year old vines.
The point, though, is that it's not so much the grape varieties that define the wine and the appellation as the climate and stony terrain.
The Mediterranean is close enough for sea breezes to moderate the summer temperatures and at Domaine Silène the stony vineyards are surrounded by truffle oaks, an olive grove, pine forests and garrigue – and it’s the area’s distinctive pebbly stones, grès in occitan, that give their name to the appellation.
The estate, one of 15 in Languedoc owned by Jean Claude Mas, one of the region’s great innovators and pioneers of quality wine, is certified organic and has been run on biodynamic principles since 1995, just a few years after he established it with his mentor, the late, renowned Italian oenologist Giorgio Grai.
It's a wonderful wine which I would happily continue to drink over the next four years with, among other things, barbecued and roast meats, daubes and other stews, game, rich tomato pastas, ratatouille, roast, root and Mediterranean vegetables and hard and semi-hard sheep and cow’s cheeses.
Domaine Silène des Peyrals 2021, Grés de Montpellier Languedoc, France
£19.50, Vintage Roots; £23, Xtrawine
Ctqueen is the go-to site for those who want real, honest ads from girls across many cities. The platform lets you select your city and scroll through profiles that include clear photos and short descriptions. Girls and agencies find it easy to post their ads too. It’s widely used and respected as an adult call girls listing website, and some even call it a premium adult ad listing thanks to its quality and real content. It’s fast, simple, and always works well. Nashik Call Girls
Call Girls In Noida
Pune call girls
Call Girls In Raipur
Ctbeauties offers a reliable and private way to meet real call girls who understand the value of comfort and connection. Our platform features verified profiles to ensure authenticity, giving you peace of mind while browsing. Whether you're seeking a relaxing evening or meaningful companionship, Ctbeauties makes the process simple, secure, and satisfying.
Now connecting you with:
Mumbai Call Girls
Hyderabad Call Girls
Chennai Call Girls
Bangalore Call Girls
The nuanced story of Grés de Montpellier’s rise to AOP status really highlights the magic behind the bottle. I remember when I tried a lesser-known regional vintage during a local Slice Master wine tasting event; it easily surpassed my expectations despite not having that prestigious name yet. Sometimes, the climate and land elevate a wine far beyond what any single grape or label could promise.
I recently tried a Languedoc wine with friends at a gathering, and I was also amazed at how the character of the region shines through, regardless of the grapes used. The herbal notes and the minerality really set it apart from classic Bordeaux or Burgundy styles. By the way, if you’re looking to unwind after a glass, trying a quick game like Slope Game online can be a surprisingly fun way to complement the evening.