Rex Mundi Wines: World ending or world changing?
Rex Mundi is a wine as striking as its label. A blend of Shiraz and Grenache from the Languedoc-Roussillon, the Mediterranean climate here is extremely favourable for wine production. Rex Mundi is not, as you might expect, yet another Hollywood celebrity, but Latin for ‘King of the World’. This stems from the Cathar religion, which began in this region of France during the 12th and 14th centuries. This fabled King was in fact some form of Satan who created all matter, thus tainting us all by default in sin and condemning us to Earth, which they considered to be Hell. The only way out? Renounced your material desires and needs. Well, unfortunately once you try this wine you might be stuck in Hell for a while longer.
The brains behind this wine come from Laithwaites’ favourite (probably) producer, Hervé Sabardeil, who makes the renowned Cabalie wines. It is beautifully intense and silky with lots of ripe red fruits from redcurrant and cranberry to lighter strawberry and raspberry notes. Dark fruits such as plum and blackberry intermingle with these creating a deep, complex palate. There are also some spiced notes added into the mix with an undertone of liquorice on the finish. Rich, smooth and devilishly easy drinking would be the best way to sum this up.
Food pairing
There is an abundance of options to match rich, fruity reds with as they can uphold themselves against most foods. However, to really indulge in the Cathar way, a French cassoulet would be absolutely ideal. Failing that, mix it with a cheese board of Gouda and Cheddar (aim for the semi-hard ones) to enjoy with guests or alone.
This blog was written by our wine expert, David Andrews. Read his Instagram blog @oinosattheoikos
Updated 24th July 2023