The Top 100 in 2023
I help judge the Top 100 competition each year, but that means that I only see a small part of the entries. For an overview, the tasting showing all the winning wines is essential. And there was the usual eclectic selection, with a wine or two from most of the appellations of the region. Although Occitanie has been extended to include some appellations of the southwest, they did not really feature, with just eight wines, while sixteen came from Roussillon and two from Côtes du Rhone Villages, Laudun, which is technically part of the competition, as it is situated in the department of the Gard. The lion’s share belonged to the Languedoc. The tasting began with a lone Crémant de Limoux, Blason Rouge from Sieur d’Arques. I couldn’t help feeling that the dosage was a little on the high side and that I have tasted more distinguished Crémants, even if Sieur d’Arques is a coop that works well for its appellation. Next came a couple of Picpoul de Pinet from the cooperative in
