WINE CRUISING: A GUIDE TO WINES ALONG THE CANAL DU MIDI IN SOUTHERN FRANCE
Cruising the Canal du Midi in Southern France is a romantic escape, a journey into history,
a gastronomic delight, an opportunity to move very slowly, and a wine-lover’s paradise. This
book grew out of our curiosity and love of wine. It was created to make the wine experience
while cruising the Canal more meaningful and fun. Included are “Wine Alerts,” tasting notes, our
favorites, and much more.
“I have lived temperately…I double the doctor’s recommendation of a glass and a half of
wine a day and even treble it with a friend.” Thomas Jefferson (who cruised the Canal in 1787)
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Getting Excited: Wines Along the Canal
They Have been Drinking Wine Here for a Long Time!
Thomas Jefferson’s Cruises the Canal du Midi
The Taste of the Garrigue
Chapter 2 Understanding the Basics About Wines Along the Canal
Appellations along the Canal du Midi, Pichet, Piquet, and Peniche
Pronouncing Midi Wines, Muscat, Muscadet, and Muscadine
An Encouraging Word About Rosés
Chapter 3 Western Canal du Midi: Toulouse to Carcassonne
Cabardés, Limoux, Côtes de Malepère
Chapter 4 Central Canal du Midi: Carcassonne to the Canal de la Robine and Béziers
Minervois, Corbières, Fitou, Saint-Chinian, Faugères
Chapter 5 Eastern Canal du Midi: Béziers to Etang du Thau and the Mediterranean Coast
Côteaux du Languedoc, Pic St.-Loup, Picpoul de Pinet, Muscat
Gourmet Wines to look for along the Canal
Chapter 6 Wine Wisdom, Whimsy, and Witticisms for Cruising the Canal
Did human evolution result from an instinctual attraction to wine?
Is there wine in your gas tank? Competition from down under
Appendix
Other resources, Grapes and More About Grapes!
Describing Wine in French, Reading a wine label, Reading a wine list
(112 pages, photos, maps, labels)
Orders
Checks and money orders, $19.95 plus $4.00 shipping in USA, $7.00 elsewhere.
Make checks payable to Davis Folsom 232 Black Skimmer Drive Beaufort, SC USA 29907
Contacts: folsomd@earthlink.net, tel/fax 843-521-4483
Kathy and Davis are available for lively presentations about wine and canal cruising in Southern France.