Steeped in blood

When we last left off, after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the region of Languedoc had managed to survive and prosper as a throughway for trade between Italy and the Iberian Peninsula.

Under the benevolent Counts of Toulouse the area remained renowned for its wine and song—and a comparatively wealthy standard of living—up to the 11th century. By the 12th century, however, Crusades to the Holy Land had diverted much of the English presence on the continent, and the Kingdom of France was poised to consolidate control over what we now know as France.

During this time, orthodoxy was enforced in all facets of daily life. Liberty of thought and expression, that we take for granted today, was suppressed by all means possible. All the same, a sect known as the Perfects, or Cathars, began to arise within Languedoc. Their dualistic belief system differed radically from that of the Roman church and—despite attempts to reconcile or co-exist—their belief was branded heresy. This set the stage for two major events: the declaration of an Albigensian Crusade to obliterate any trace of the Cathars, and the establishment of an Inquisition against their beliefs. With royal assent, this Crusade was preached throughout the kingdom of France, allowing families with second sons (the first son would have been sent to the Middle East) to wage war and win land at home. For 20 years, the heresy was brutally suppressed. Armies razed vineyards, olive groves, towns, and farms. At the end of this orgy of violence, Languedoc was assimilated into France.

Becoming part of France proved crucial to Languedoc, however. While traditional markets recovered, new markets to the North opened. But was this new opportunity worth the price?

Next week we dive into the wine pool of Europe.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
This week, however, try a bottle of Sandbanks Estate Winery 2010 Cabernet Franc.

This very approachable wine, with a deep ruby color, just begs to be sipped. You will not be disappointed with the flavors of red fruits that cascade over the palate. This Cabernet Franc has been skillfully crafted by Catherine Langlois to be savored to the last lingering drop. The wine is a bargain at the price of $14.95, and is available at the L.C.B.O. Or visit the winery located on 17598 Loyalist Parkway, just west of Wellington.