The Josephine Pays D’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a $6.99 Trader Joe’s import exclusive sourced from vineyards in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southwest France located between the Mediterranean Ocean and the Pyrenees and the Black Mountains. It is a region known for single-varietal wines, though blends are also allowed.
The Josephine Pays D’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is an inexpensive wine everyday wine and the Languedoc-Roussillon is the central region where the French get their everyday wine. It is the largest wine-growing area in France and one of the least hyped French wine regions.
Trader Joe’s does not offer any detailed information about this Cabernet Sauvignon, a few lines of tasting notes, and the suggestion to pair this wine with beef. It is not front-page news that Cabernet Sauvignon pairs with grilled, roasted, or fried meat. But a $6.99 Cab that does what the expensive wines do is a good sign.
A French Cabernet Sauvignon should have some differences from the California Cabernets. The oak treatment should be more subtle. If the Josephine Pays D’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is oak-aged, there is a good chance it isn’t.
A French wine made for the American market should be fruit-forward, but more structured, sleek, and balanced than those from the West Coast of the US. Much of that comes from California being warmer and drier than France, but there are style differences. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The Josephine Pays D’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Tasting Notes
The color is a mix of purple and black cherry. The nose is ripe, with jammy red berries, black pepper, spice, and lightly floral, with burnt toffee. The Josephine Pays D’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a smooth, lean wine, nicely balanced with soft flavors.
This Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like strawberry, blackberry, pepper, light spice, and plum. The mid-palate adds some sharper spice, tart cranberry, and raspberry. This is a dry wine, the fruit flavors are not sweet. The tannins provide plenty of structure but are sweet and do not bite. The acidity is well-balanced.
The Summary
- The Josephine Pays D’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a tasty Cabernet Sauvignon made even better by its $6.99 price tag.
- This wine has more complexity and interest than you usually find in a Red wine this affordable.
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