Saint-Jacques Albas Blanc 2021

About The Producer Saint Jacques d'Albas

St. Jacques' rich history stretches back thousands of years, though very little has been accurately documented prior to the 15th century, first mention being in 1437. What we do know is that the same magical appeal of the site that first drew us here appears to have transcended time, from the first settlers, to the marauding Visigoths, to the pilgrims that still come through to this day. It appears the various inhabitants were attracted by a combination of spiritual significance, natural water reserves and fertile land. A metamorphosis to quality occurred from the mid-20th Century and subsequent to A.O.C. status being granted in 1985 for the Minervois, an area which Clive Coates describes as "one of the most rewarding areas in the Midi for inexpensive but interesting wines” Since then, Languedoc wine production has shrunk from some 18 million hectolitres annual production to 10 million (source: Jancis Robinson) as marginal vineyards have disappeared and new growers have focused more on quality rather than quantity. Commensurately, the reputation of the Languedoc - and the Minervois - has slowly but inexorably risen and today provide noticeable value for money in its wine offerings.