JEAN-LOUIS DENOIS
Limoux is a region that doesn’t necessarily roll off the tongue but they are primarily famed for their sparkling wines. The appellation lies in the eastern foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. It is unique among Languedoc regions because of the three broad climactic influences, the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. This confluence of climates and the higher altitudes create an ideal situation for sparkling wine production. One of the greats of the region is Jean-Louis Denois and after a short hiatus, we couldn’t be more pleased to have his wines back in the store. Jean-Louis is certified organic and has always had the rugged individualist moniker. Creating unique still wine blends as well as amazing bubblies he has an unerring eye for detail and a flair for the dramatic. The “Tradition” Brut Reserve is almost technically a Cremant de Limoux but since J-L does his own thing, he blends 50% Chardonnay with 50% Pinot Noir which doesn’t conform to appellation rules. Always one of our best crowd pleasers, it spends about three years on the lees giving it a wonderful mousse with toasty biscuity notes. Another favorite is the Pinot Noir Brut Rosé. New for us is another sparkling rosé, the "Bulles de Syrah" Brut Rosé. A terrific take on modern bubbles that captures some of the spicy syrah notes but never overplays its hand. There's also one of our own personal favorites, the Blancs de Blancs Cremant de Limoux Extra Brut (Sulfite Free). This blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Chenin Blanc qualifies for the appellation in name only. It is an amazing take on sparkling wine with its roasted apple, pear notes and grilled brioche flavors. J-L believes that the Extra Brut style with its higher acidity will act as the natural preservative the wine needs to develop with no need for any sulfur additions.