Michael Apstein, MD and wine lover, was one of the journalists selected to go to the Millesime annual wine fair. He is a columnist at WineReviewOnLine.com and the recipient of the 2008Press Trophy. Here are his ratings of the Syrah and Chardonnay from La Marouette, both of which he tasted at the Millésime Bio 2013 in France.

*   Maison des Terroirs Vivants, IGP Pays d’Oc (Languedoc, France) Syrah “La Marouette” 2012 ($15, The Organic Wine Company): An incredible value, this $15 Syrah manages to combine the attractive slightly beefy and the ripe plumy components that Syrah can deliver. It’s a masterful mix, especially at the price. Certainly bold enough for wintertime fare–orsteaks on the grill (summer will eventually be here)–it’s not overdone or alcoholic. Uplifting freshness and suave tannins allows it to slide right down.

88 Michael Apstein Jan 29, 2013

*   Maison des Terroirs Vivants, IGP Pays d’Oc (Languedoc, France) Chardonnay “La Marouette” 2012 ($14, The Organic Wine Company): Maison des Terroirs Vivants is one of the leading producers of organic wines in the Languedoc. They have an uncanny ability to find and bottle pristine wines and sell them at extraordinary prices. This Chardonnay has an engaging note of pineapple without being tropical or overdone. Invigorating acidity keeps itfresh. With so many insipid Chardonnays available in this price range, this is an unbelievable value.

87 Michael Apstein Jan 29, 2013

To learn more about the Languedoc Region and the “tremendous transformation” it is undergoing, I urge you to read the very comprehensive article “The Languedoc is Worth Exploring” he recently wrote.

Follow Michael on Twitter: @MichaelApstein