"Saveurs Oubliées", perhaps to be translated as "forgotten flavours". The aromas of this wine are not that "forgotten". Perhaps - in the singular - the name could mean: Forgotten flavors - better yet, "good tastes". Be that as it may, in terms of grape varieties (55% Old Carignan , 30% Syrah, 15% Grenache), it is a typical Languedoc-Roussillon wine. In terms of vinification, it is also strongly influenced by tradition. Rather somewhat rustic, an authentic cuvée, nothing tasteless is to be found in it, rather maturity, south, spice, landscape, soil...
The "Vignerons Catalans" are a winegrowers' cooperative and a rather large one at that. It comprises nine cooperatives and far more than 2,000 producers. For me, this is another proof that particularly in the huge wine region of the south, well-managed companies - in the vineyard, in the cellar, as well as in the marketing - can achieve astonishing results. Wines are being made (and marketed) that can compete with the wines of even the most respected self-pressers and wineries. The (perhaps) lack of individuality is made up for by expertise and craftsmanship, by strict selection and technical possibilities. The wine offers what is (also) sought after today: a safe value, which perhaps comes across a bit "uniform" (meaning always the same) over the years.
The wine, which I - despite a good knowledge of Languedoc-Roussillon - did not know until now, was sent to me by a wine merchant with whom I am occasionally - but quite rarely - a customer, with the remark: "20 years ago, I was allowed to work for you as your wine merchant for the first time..." Customer service, then. It's not so easy to find the right wine there. It has to be something like a "business card" for the retailer, but at the same time it has to be within the cost range of a customer gift and, first of all, it has to somehow meet my taste in wine. As a very seldom customer, it is hardly possible to determine a certain value from my orders. Not quite easy, this (advertising) action.
If I now say: it has succeeded, then this honors the company. The wine is definitely something special and yet - as is necessary in such cases - probably available in sufficient quantities. It is something that is not out of the ordinary (should one say: suitable for the majority?) and yet - even I, the quite good Languedoc connoisseur - enjoy it. If I were to be a bit pathetic about it, it would be this: "the country needs wine merchants like this!".