The Wines of Languedoc

By Al Spoler,

Published September 21, 2017 at 11:47 AM EDT

Languedocis in the southwestern region of France. Al and Hugh say the quality of wines from this area is increasing. Click on the image for the recommendations.

The Wine List

Saint Hillaire Blanquet de Limoux '15

The original sparkling wine, still over-delivers for a low price

Quality: **

Price: Less than $20

Domaine des Deux Anes, Fontanilles '1

Cairgnan, Syrah, Grenache, spicy lively red, perfect with grilled meats

Quality: **

Price: Less than $20

Ermitage de Pic Saint Loup '13

Syrah, grenache, mourvedre, very Cotes de Rhone-like

Quality: **

Price: Less than $20

Chateau Massiac, Minervois '13

Excellent VALUE for a dense, flavorful, powerful southern red

Quality: **1/2

Price: Less than $20

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Al Spoler

Al Spoler, well known to WYPR listeners as the wine-loving co-host of "Cellar Notes" has had a long-standing parallel interest in cooking as well. Al has said, the moment he started getting serious about Sunday night dinners was the same moment he started getting serious about wine. Over the years, he has benefited greatly from being a member of the Cork and Fork Society of Baltimore, a gentlemen's dining club that serves black tie meals cooked by the members themselves who are some of Baltimore's most accomplished amateur cooks.

See stories by Al Spoler

Hugh Sisson

As General Partner of Clipper City Brewing Company, L.P., Hugh J. Sisson is among Baltimore's premier authorities on craft brewing and a former manager of the state's first pub brewery, Sissons, located in Federal Hill. A fifth generation Baltimorean, Hugh has been involved in all aspects of craft brewing.

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