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Languedoc Wines Brings Better Dinner Pairings to City’s Dining Scene

Languedoc Wines brings better dinner pairings to city’s dining scene, led by Advanced Sommelier Erik Segelbaum, with the goal of more restaurant exposure and happy diners.

Langeudoc is a postcard perfect area of sloped hills, lush ocean views and deep horizons in Southern France nestled along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the famous Rhone river and Provence in the east.

Languedoc Wines Brings Better Dinner Pairings

Languedoc Wines Brings Better Dinner Pairings

Curious wine drinkers eyes just perked up.  Why?  Those who understand, know the area has a lot of magic.

While the land is not as known as illustrious neighbors Bordeaux and Rhone, its quality is competitive and its price tag is far more attractive.  

Languedoc Wines Brings Better Dinner Pairings

Languedoc Wines Brings Better Dinner Pairings

The Languedoc region produces conversation bottles.  

It’s the bottle someone reaches across the table for –  because it’s different, it’s more of a mystery –  and that person’s palate is in the mood to investigate a playful pairing.   

All these curious reasons led me to NYC’s The Winery for a masterclass of learning and tasting.

Advanced Sommelier Erik Segelbaum

Luckily we were led by Advanced Sommelier Erik Segelbaum, who has more than 30 years of experience, was named Food & Wine Magazine’s 2019 Sommelier of the Year and 2020 Wine Enthusiast 40 and 40 Tastemaker.

 

Beyond the credentials, what makes Erik great for today’s class is his unique approach.  

See, Langeudoc hopes to get their wines in more restaurants:  in today’s class more than half the people in the room work in NYC restaurants and wine bars and Erik understands that territory very well.  He has been Beverage Director, Head Somm, Wine Director at restaurants around the country – so he knows how to explain to the restaurants how to get these bottles onto their wine lists and how to sell them – smart move by Languedoc!

The History

Languedoc has a robust and varied history with winemaking proving their villages keep innovating and the world follows.

Languedoc Wines Brings Better Dinner Pairings

Languedoc Wines Brings Better Dinner Pairings

The story starts back in the 1200s (when they were discovering wine fortification) and fast-forwards to the 1700s when a twist of fate forced the vineyards to move up the hillside – which became an unexpected blessing as the grapes flourished even better in their new, windier climate.   

We keep going and in 1903, the area was a pioneer launching the world’s first organic expo.  Something that even today, over a 100 years later, many competitors around the world are still behind on.

Some wines with bold, chewy tannins? Yes.  Others with refreshing acidity? Yes.  

We’ll get to tasting shortly.  

But let’s spend a brief moment understanding the area that’s creating such vibrant flavors.   

Languedoc Land

Five large areas with over 20 AOPs  and those twenty are grouped in three very different climates:  Mediterranean Coast, Atlantic Coast, Hills and Mountains. 

Mediterranean, as you might imagine, offers long, warm summers with heavy sunshine and mild  winters harvesting grapes Piquepoul, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Muscat. 

Atlantic is quite different with consistent chills and cross-winds that deliver Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay grapes.

Pacific, as you’d expect from the pattern emerging, is even more different.  It’s intense.  Dry and hot in the summer, cold in the winter. Warm days,  cool nights.  And this vigorous energy delivers rich, tannic reds like Mouvedre and Syrah.

Languedoc’s Future

Much like the wines themselves, Langedoc’s future continues to open up more and more showing a sense of depth, complexity  – while, yes, also being ready to go today.  

Nine of their wineries are less than 20 years old.  They are a leader in the “Old World” turning toward organic and eco-friendly treatments.  They’re excited to reach a new generation of younger wine drinkers with their message and their culture.

So, let’s have a taste.

There were over 20 wines being poured, showcasing varieties from sparkling to light white to big, bold reds.  Everything from pairing with fresh oysters to gamey pheasant.  

Here are my tasting highlights:

 

Domaine Saint-martin D’agel Le Pèlerin 2020

On the nose: juniper and fresh spices rise from the glass. 

Mouth: soft, supple mouth feel, with relaxed tannins 

The finish had an invigorating acidity. 

Delicious to pair with grilled herbs.

 

Gerard Bertrand AN 825 Cremant de Limoux Brut Rose 2019

On the nose:  effervescent, gushing with red fruit

Mouth: gush of strawberry; 

Finish is crisp and refreshing. 

Pair with citrus-dressed salads or even spicy BBQ,

 

Villa Noria La Serr Picpoul de Pinet

Nose: zesty, floral and refreshing

Mouth:  lemony and citrus aromas with a lovely texture

Finish: bright, uplifting finish.

Pair with mussels and fresh oysters 

 

Domaine de brau Cuvee Etymologie 2020 

Nose: Aromas of red and black fruits

Mouth: A delicate mix of vegetation and spices

Finish: A clean, crisp finish

Pair with tri tip and roasted pheasant

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Pallini, founded in 1875, remains a proudly family-owned company and is now led by CEO Micaela Pallini, a fifth-generation member of the founding family. With more than 15 years at the company, she previously served as Director and Head of Production. Micaela, who holds a Doctoral Degree in Chemistry, is the first woman to lead the company and is honored to guide Pallini through this historic milestone.

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At the heart of the campaign is the Pallini Spritz—now among the top three spritz-style cocktails served in the U.S. Elegant, light, and refreshingly simple (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Pallini, 1 part water, served over ice in a large wine glass), the cocktail is quickly becoming a seasonal favorite across bars, rooftops, and at-home occasions. Pallini is supporting this momentum with retail cross-merchandising initiatives, encouraging consumers to bring the spritz ritual home.

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Vodka in a can?

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Learn more at www.vodkade.com or on socials at @Vodkade_cocktails on Instagram and @Vodkade on Facebook.

About Vodkade
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Designed for those who live to play and play to win, Vodkade combines the bold refreshment of a sports drink with a kick.

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Franklin Becker, Photo Credit:  Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

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Set in Downtown L.A., home to some of the country’s most innovative dining experiences, a spectacular two-night strolling festival with Opening Night on Friday, July 25, 2025, and the Grand Tasting on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

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Chef Jonathon Sawyer

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City Of Angels Chefs, Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

The inaugural City of Angels Food & Wine will feature an extraordinary lineup of 36 of the Best Chefs representing Los Angeles, Anaheim, Pasadena, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Chicago, Palm Beach, New York, and Mexico. This exemplary event promises to be a spectacular showcase of culinary excellence.

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Event Host Chef Neal Fraser: Redbird, Vibiana – Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Chef Vartan Abgaryan: Momed – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Govind Armstrong: Post & Beam, The Lobster, 8 oz. Burger BarLos Angeles, CA

Chef Lindsay Autry: HoneybellePalm Beach, FL

Chef Franklin Becker: Point SevenNew York, NY

Chef Giberto Cetina: Holbox, Chichen ItzaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Josiah Citrin: Mélisse, Citrin, Charcoal Venice, Dear John’s, Openair, Augie’s on MainLos Angeles, CA

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Chef Ben Ford: Ford’s Filling Station, Galerie – Los Angeles, CA

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Chef Vivian Ku: Pine & Crane, JoyLos Angeles, CA

Chef Donnie Masterton: The Restaurant @ Sollano 16San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Chef Dylan Patel: avecChicago, IL

Chef Michael Reed: Poppy & Seed, Poppy + RoseAnaheim, Los Angeles, CA

Chef Andreas Roller: Jonathan ClubLos Angeles, CA

Chef Steve Samson: Rossoblu, Superfine – Los Angeles, CA

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Chef Warren Schwartz: Magpies Softserve – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Shannon Swindle: Funke, Felix TrattoriaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Jimmy Shaw: Loteria Grill – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Kris Tominaga: ManuelaLos Angeles, CA

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Chef Niki Vahle & Anna Sonenshein: Little FishLos Angeles, CA

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City of Angeles Food Wine

This year’s City of Angels Food & Wine event beneficiary is St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, whose mission is to prepare and deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors and other vulnerable residents across Los Angeles, regardless of age, illness, disability, race, religion, or ability to pay. St. Vincent Meals on Wheelsdelivers over 100,000 meals each month to seniors at risk of hunger and stands on the front lines for the homebound and vulnerable throughout L.A. County, especially during emergencies like the recent Los Angeles wildfires, providing nutritious meals, shelf-stable food, wellness checks, and even pet food. More than 250,000 seniors in Los Angeles face food insecurity, and many of them are isolated and homebound. For these individuals, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels is a lifeline.

This year’s Partners include Delta Air Lines as the official Airline, Chef Works as the official Hospitality Apparel, IceBulb as the official Ice Supplier, Waterboy as the official Hydration, and Vibiana as the official Event Venue.

Ticket Information: The Inaugural City of Angels Food & Wine will take place on Friday, July 25th, 2025, and Saturday, July 26th, 2025, and this is a 21+ event. A DELTA VIP Early Entry Pass will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Regular Admission will be from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets are on sale starting Wednesday, May 14, 2025. For more information on the City of Angels Food & Wine, please visit www.CityofAngelsFW.com.

 Transportation and Parking: Guests are strongly encouraged to utilize professional car services, such as Lyft, as alcoholic beverages will be served at the event. Self-parking is conveniently available in a Joe’s Parking Structure across the street from Vibiana.

Follow City of Angels Food & Wine for the latest updates on:

Facebook:  @cityofangelsfoodandwine

Instagram:  @cityofangels_foodandwine

City of Angels Food & Wine

Vibiana

214 Main St.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

www.CityofAngelsFW.com

About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

One comment on “Languedoc Wines Brings Better Dinner Pairings to City’s Dining Scene

  1. Cherry W. says:

    Love learning about Languedoc. One of my favorite less known regions

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