Domaine de la Neuve Gourgasse - Coteaux d'Enserune at the West of Beziers (Languedoc), we find the relatively unknown Coteaux d'Enserune. The wines are ‘Vin de Pays d'Oc’ or the modern name Languedoc IGP (Protected Geographical Indication). We cross this region when we visit one stage of the Tour de France. It soon becomes obvious that many growers are located here. Naturally, we do not choose the most commercial winery, the most striking or the most local cooperative winery. We hit the exit at the Sahara D11 from Beziers to Montady for Domaine de la Gourgasse. The plots are located next to the TGV track from Nimes to Perpignan. On the other side of the field we find the banks of the Canal du Midi.

3rd Generation
A bumpy road leads us into the realm of Marcel Iche. The third generation of the family business. Of the total 30 acres, 16 acres are planted with wine grapes. The soil consists of clay and limestone. In the vineyard, the natural environment is maintained by the paths between the vines to be overgrown and to show with wild herbs, plants and associated insects. The next path is plowed to get some air in it. From the northern hills the wind comes in, the sunshine per year provides a parched land. That is why they also call the area the ‘Sahara of France'. Because of this there are rubber hoses that which can give some moisture to the vines.

Spanish bull
The average production is 40,000 bottles per year. Rosé is the most part with 30,000 bottles. Red and white are with respectively eight and two thousand bottles represented. The wine of the domaine is only available region. An exception is a Belgian company in the town Boom where you will be able to buy some older years. Baron, Toro, Metisse Gourgasse all these wines have different names. Under the name la 'Baron Gourgasse’ we find both red, white and rosé. 'Toro' represents the Spanish bull, and comes in red and rosé. The reason for naming this wine is the large number of Spaniards living in Béziers. Cuvée Metisse  is  the name of the red and white wines. The two rosés  are distinctly different. The Baron is mostly like a white wine. The Syrah grapes are blended with the juice of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The latter are quite small in size but they are huge bunches. The skins are not fermented with it. That’s why there is the light color and in blind tasting you rather think at a white then at a rosé wine. The flavor tends to grapefruit. The Toro rosé with a residual sugar of 4 grams per liter (2.5 grams compared to the Baron rosé) is a lot cooler, drinks smoothly and has fruity and juicy peach. Again syrah grapes, but now mixed with merlot.

White
The two white varieties are both made of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Viognier grapes. The Baron version have pineapple and acacia flower in her palette. The Cuvée Metisse has a wood maturation of one year before and is therefore fatter with extra alcohol. Hay, vanilla and butter are the calibrated flavors, but justifie the smell and taste credentials.

Red
The Baron version (2009) is made from Grenache Noir and Merlot grapes. DeCuvee Metisse is the winner and also the wine to age longer. The present year 2006 had two years in Bordeaux barrels. Beautiful, full, round wine which can be kept for another five years. The wine is predominantly made from Marseland grapes. This is a crossing of Grenache Noir and cabernetsauvignon. This species has been developed in the town of Agde which is located close to Marseillan. Particular to this variety is they are tied up at vertical poles for best results. When tying in the horizontal way, the skin of the grapes become rubbery. A small portion Merlot and Petit Verdot provide a bit of harmony and the ultimate perfection. Different, and for only €10,- per bottle successful 'trouvaille'.