Don't think that I am blase or 'spoiled' yet it is not that often that a wine wows me by delivering what I expected and more as a good movie does once in a while.
It happened to me a few days ago when I popped open a bottle of Domaine Massiac 'Sauvignon Blanc' 2011 from Azille (Aude).
It was crisp, herbacious and lively, a bit high in alcohol at 14%.
I could not find a home site for the producer so I had to rely on its importer Neal Rosenthal for some background information.
According to them, the name of the domain comes from "two brothers from Massiac in the Auvergne region who traversed the area in service to the King of Spain and eventually settled at this spot situated almost precisely halfway between the clock towers of the villages of Azille and Rieux Minervois."
The domain was given a new lease on life by Bernard Boudouresques and his family who converted it to organic. It was certified organic in 2012.
Besides Sauvignon Blanc they also produce a Viognier and a Minervois red.
While looking for some form of web presence for the winery, I discovered La Dolce Vita (Chambres d'Hotes-Guesthouse) in the same town of Azille.
It is run by an American expat, Natalie, born in Denver.
You should be able to buy this 'Sauvignon Blanc' for around $12.
A visit to Domaine Massiac could be in the cards when I visit France late August.