The 2010 Moulin de Gassac Rouge is fresh, vibrant, complex

There are very few Languedoc reds that I find fresh, vibrant and complex. The 2010 Moulin de Gassac Rouge, however, is all that and more.

The blend consists of 40 percent syrah, 25 percent grenache, 20 percent mourvèdre and 15 percent carignan. I think the reason the wine hit such a good note with me is the large amount of syrah. I cannot think of any Chateauneuf-du-Pape that has that much syrah in it, which is probably why this thing showed off an aromatic portrait of cherries, strawberries, blackberries, spice box and even Concord jam.

The wine sees no wood aging, and I think that helps keep the price so reasonable, but it also allows the wine to just rely on fruit and balance as opposed to other co-stars which, I feel, get in the way of freshness in southern French reds.

I rarely get so excited about Languedoc and Rousillon because most of them strike me as too earthy, mushroom-like and even dank smelling.That is why this is such a rare find.

It sells for around $12 a bottle, and will make any wine lover smile. If your place does not carry it, have the manager call Vanguard Wines in Columbus.

Roger Gentile is the owner of Gentile’s, the Wine Sellers – www.gentiles.com – and the author of two books on wine.