Featured Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
DID YOU KNOW
Languedoc-Roussillon is France’s largest wine producing region, with almost one-third of all French wines produced here. The region is also responsible for producing around 10% of the Rosé on the planet!
As rosy-fingered-dawn rose over civilization in the Western World, it was often Greeks who brought viticulture, the gift of twice-born Dionysus, to new locales around the Mediterranean. Following unknowing in the footsteps of Gauls, galleys bearing Greeks first crossed the wine-dark sea in 600 BC. They settled first in Marseilles (then: Μασσαλία) where they then spread through what is now Languedoc-Roussillon, the region of this month’s wines. The first real vineyards were likely in what is now the Pays d’Oc region, where your first wine comes from. It is a mix of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. The last being a noble grape with its own storied history. Known as Carae in ancient Rome, its name comes from the village of Cariñena in Aragon where it has been drank since the 3rd century BC, when the locals enjoyed it mixed with honey (another Greek invention: οἰνόμελι). It was the Romans and not the Greeks who really established serious viticulture in this month’s wine region though, in 118 BC with the establishment of Narbonne (although back then we would have called it “Narbo”, the colloquial term), the
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first permanent Roman settlement in France (then, of course: Gaul). Narbonne became the capital of the new expansion, and then a key stop on the Via Domitia, the first Roman road in Gaul, connecting Italy with Spain and passing through the entirety of the Pays d’Oc wine region. Vineyards were established all along the road, helping fuel the Roman army, and its new settlements across the Mediterranean. All of this to say: while Languedoc-Roussillon, and this month’s wines, are certainly French, they are also resolutely Mediterranean and European in a very deep and ancient way that transcends recent political boundaries. The region, and its wines and its grapes, are the link between their progenitors in Greece, their Roman ancestors, and the bridge between ancient and modern incarnations of Italy, France and Spain. The above-mentioned Carignan, along with Grenache (originally from Spain), Syrah (indigenous to the area), Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay (both from Burgundy) are the stars this month, but all having local varieties that show off the terroir and style of the Mediterranean coast. We think all four wines are brilliant examples of the place, and evoke, we hope, some of the deep and continuous history of the region.
louismax.com - pech-latt.com
November 2023
Featured Wines DID YOU KNOW
We wanted to celebrate Louis Max’s partnership with Burgundian superstar winemaker David Duband. Duband works primarily in the Côtes de Nuits of Burgundy, he is known for his focus on organic vineyards, low intervention winemaking, and judicious oak use. His wines, from entry-level Bourgogne Rouge, to his Grand Crus, are marked by a delicate touch and persistent freshness alongside structure. Here he brings his masterful touch to the lighter and more fruit forward wines of the coast with fantastic results.
Featured Wine #1
2022 Pech Latt Grand Vin AOC Corbières Fantastic food wine from a great red wine region, this slight variation on a classic GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) blend has a richness and spice to it alongside the classic dark fruit profile that make it excellent for stews and roasts. A perfect fall wine. Price: $37.95 + HST VINIFICATION 40% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 5% Marsellan, all handpicked in AOC Corbières. 100% Destemmed, vatted for 8-12 days before six months of maturation in 300HL concrete tanks. TASTING NOTES Dense garnet colour, licorice and blackcurrant on the nose with a soft, round texture open on the palate, with blackberries, spice, licorice root, and nice fine-grained tannins leading to a soft finish. FOOD Smoked meat, cassoulet, stews, roast chicken, any hearty comfort food works very well, so embrace the chilly weather and make something warm and filling. CELLARING We would drink this year, but will keep nicely for three or four.
Featured Wine #2
2021 Pech Latt Mémoire d’Alaric AOC
Featured Wine #3
Featured Wine #4
2022 Louis Max Pinot Noir IGP
2022 Louis Max Chardonnay IGP
A mouthful of wild strawberries and currants open this fantastic blend of Grenache and Syrah which provide, respectively, the fruit and the structure, and a touch of Carignan for freshness and acidity. A great example of what the region can produce.
Pretty and youthful, this wine is a particularly great example of the lighter, fruitier Pinot possibilities in Languedoc. David Duband’s wine making expertise is felt here in the delicacy of fruit and the silky texture of the wine.
Bright and fresh, this is an unoaked Chardonnay defined by its delicate and clean flavours. A lovely food wine, but keep the pairings simple to show off the nuance in the bottle.
Price: $48.95 + HST VINIFICATION Blend of 70% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 2% Carignan. Vatted for 20 days before six months in concrete with periodic micro-oxygenation. TASTING NOTES Beautiful purple robe with immediate wild strawberries and red currants on the nose and on the initial palate. Nice prolonged midpalate with some of the Carignan acidity and Syrah structure showing through on the finish, along with raspberries, more strawberries and some lingering spice. FOOD Grilled pork, roast vegetables, most BBQ dishes, stews or casseroles. CELLARING Drink in the next three or so years.
Price: $28.95 + HST VINIFICATION 100% Pinot Noir from a steep limestone and clay vineyard in Pays d’Oc, aged in stainless steel to emphasize freshness. TASTING NOTES Ruby robe with ripe cherries, raspberries and a touch of black currant on the nose. Classic red fruit palate with a touch of black pepper and, unique to this terroir, a touch of fresh grape flavour usually absent in Pinot Noir. Fresh light finish. FOOD Roast chicken, mushroom dishes, soft cheeses, duck of any sort, grilled fish. CELLARING Drink this year or next, but why wait?
Price: $28.95 + HST
VINIFICATION 100% Chardonnay from the same steep limestone and clay vineyard that the Pinot Noir is sourced from in Pays d’Oc, this wine is also aged in stainless steel to emphasize freshness. TASTING NOTES Golden robe with lemon, green apple and light stone fruit on the nose, and a bright and very aromatic palate of mixed citrus and tropical fruit with a fresh and energetic but dry finish. FOOD Scallops, whitefish, roast chicken, soft cheeses, Caesar salads, any creamy pasta. CELLARING Drink this year, but will be fine for a year or two.
To order more, the total package price is $163.63 inc. taxes - charlie@charliesburgers.ca - 905-265-7556 We also have the individual bottles available on cbwineprogram.com
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Featured Restaurants
Make Your Reservations
QUETZAL Quetzal, one of the first Michelin Star recipients in Canda, just received a star for their second year in a row. They celebrate regional Mexican cuisine, inspired by traditional flavours and cooking styles, all cooked over a 28 footlong open wood fire. Traditional moles, salsas and little-known ingredients are transported to Toronto and infused with the bounty of local produce for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Since assuming the role of Head Chef at Quetzal in 2019 Steven Molnar (Bar Isabel, Toqué, Institut Paul Bocuse) has spent years honing the craft of wood fire cooking. His exploration of Mexican cuisine, in conjunction with his unique culinary history, has helped solidify Quetzal’s reputation as one of the premier dining destinations in Toronto. Menu pairing suggestion for our featured wine: PECH LATT GRAND VIN AOC CORBIERES - DRY AGED DUCK BREAST CONTACT INFO@QUETZALTORONTO.COM 647-347-3663
MAXIME’S Discover the allure of Toronto’s newest steak, seafood, and cocktail destination. Maxime’s oozes European chic from its very soul, and is so much more than just a place to enjoy a glorious meal. Opulence and indulgence weave their way through an enchanting evening of mischievous & intriguing moments that mingle late into the night. Its name, meaning ‘greatest,’ is also the inspiration behind Maxime’s menu, showcasing timeless dishes & sips enhanced with playful, unique touches. The interiors are lush and elegant, the sounds are deep and soulful, all coming together to bring each of your senses alive from the moment you enter. Menu pairing suggestion for our featured wine: LOUIS PINOT NOIR - ZA’ATAR ROASTED CHICKEN CONTACT INFO@MAXIMESTTORONTO.COM 647-484-7476
Scan to Unlock Member’s Only Cellar Use Your $50 Promo Code This Month: CBMEMBER50
Charlie selects restaurants whose cuisine and atmosphere will stand as perfect backgrounds for enjoying our wines. These restaurants have kindly agreed to waive corkage fees for our members for one visit over the next two months! Here’s how it works: 1. You can make a reservation at any of the featured restaurants and advise the reservationist (or leave a note on Tock or Resy) that you are member of the CB Wine Program. 2. Grab a bottle of this month’s featured wine, and bring it with you to Quetzal or Maxime’s. Corkage for your first bottle at both restaurants is on Uncle Charlie. Normal corkage fees will apply for each subsequent bottle. 3. A gentle reminder that this is an extension of our personal relationship with the Featured Restaurants, and a favour for Charlie’s Burgers members.
Add-on to your wine box
Our Cheese Boutique Pairings
Afrim’s November Selections
As Maître Fromager (Cheese Master) of the Cheese Boutique, Afrim Pristine delivers years of experience in affinage, a practice handed down through the family business. In 2013, Afrim’s distinctions and accolades reached a summit as a 32-year-old cheesemonger who was inducted as the world’s youngest “Maître Fromager” by the France-based Guilde Internationale des Fromagers. We’re proud to have Afrim as our personal provider of cheeses and other delicacies for the CB Wine Program. Each month Afrim will hand select different cheeses that will pair well with the wines we have chosen.
Delice de Bourgogne 200G Cantal 200G Ossau Iraty 300G Fourme d’Ambert 300G Roccaruya (an Italian hard goat’s milk cheese from Sardinia) 300G Emmental 400 G Jacks Royal 400G C’esti Bon salami Hungarian Citterio Bresaola Citterio prosciutto Crudo Pancracio Dark Chocolate 80% Luxeapers olives stuffed with pimento Rustic Bakery Crackers
To Order Cheese Boutique Pairings Our exclusive wine member price is $140 (actual value: $180). If you’re interested in this month’s selection, please email concierge@cheeseboutique.com. You can pick-up at Cheese Boutique or we can deliver right to your door. DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN THE GTA IS $15!
X Harry Rosen, Brioni & CB Charlie’s Burgers has been partners with Harry Rosen for years. We are very excited to announce the Canadian relaunch of legendary brand Brioni in partnership with Harry Rosen. Brioni was founded in Rome in 1945 and quickly became the standard for bespoke Italian suits, hosting the first men’s runway shows in modern fashion history in 1952 in Florence. Remarkably, Brioni has maintained an unimpeachable standard of excellence over the decades. Ian Rosen, the CEO of Harry Rosen chose Charlie’s Burgers for their wines and wine service for the Brioni launch event as they know we stand for the same values: old school, well crafted wine, and bespoke event service. “We appreciate the CB wine program for its expedient access to a diverse selection of global wines. The CB team shares in Harry Rosen’s value of exceptional service, consistently delivering seamless and stress-free wine service at our events.”