Grand Vin de l'Epervier 2023

What do you get when you give the Grand Cru treatment to some of the best grapes in the Languedoc? You get a wine like no other, Grand Vin de L’Epervier.

Just as the sparrow hawk (or l’epervier) circles high above to spot the tastiest fruit, winemaker Mark Hoddy traverses the Languedoc to find the best grapes to create a blend that is greater than the sum of its parts…

From the cool, northern slopes of the Cévennes to warmer vineyards by the Mediterranean, the grapes for Grand Vin de l’Epervier are an amalgam of some of the finest Crus in the Languedoc. Places where you’ll find cult wines like Domaine de la Grange des Pères ($280+ a bottle) and Gérard Bertrand’s Clos d’Ora ($250). When the grapes from these selected Crus are blended together, the wine must be labeled “Vin de France.” But this is no humble wine…

Grenache sets the tone with a bright berry ripeness, while Syrah brings a dark-fruited depth and savory spice. Carignan adds a lively touch, and all of it melds smoothly on the palate, thanks to its luxurious barrel aging.

As a Languedoc local, Mark’s goal is to create the very best representation of the region—something he’d proudly offer up against Grand Crus from France’s other top regions.

Taste L’Epervier for yourself and you’ll see that it does just that, but for a fraction of the price.