Château d'Aussières
The vintage
As in previous years, the weather varied enormously over the Languedoc region. The nearb Mediterranean coastline was strongly impacted by low rainfall, not only during the winter but also during the growing season. However, despite these particular conditions, a good vegetative growth throughout the growth cycle, from bud break to flowering and, finally, the ripening stage will caracterise this vintage. Proof that the combination of cool terroir and vines that are now reaching maturity, can meet the challenge of atypical weather conditions.
The constraints imposed by the climate still allowed excellent levels of ripeness on all our wine varietals, with beautiful aromatic expressions and good balance for all the plots, from first to last ripen fruits.
Location
The estate is nestled in the rugged hills just behind the Mediterranean coastline of Narbonne, in the South of France.
Terroir
The grapes for Château d’Aussières are sourced from selected plots on the tops of the hills. The soil is very shallow, consisting of sandstone with very little clay, and water is scarce. As a result, the yields are very low. The blend consists mainly of Syrah and Mourvèdre, with small quantities of Grenache and Carignan. The Mourvèdre vines have been producing grapes of outstanding quality for the past few years, as they reach maturity. Green harvests are carried out and the grapes are strictly selected in order to obtain a wine that combines power and precision.
Winemaking
Vinification is performed traditionnally. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel and concrete vats. Some of the Carignan undergoes carbonic maceration, which confers the wine its unique balsamic notes. During fermentation, the fermenting wine is regularly pumped over to allow a gentle extraction of the tannins. Once fermentation is completed, the wine is left undisturbed for a couple of days. The total maceration time is 15-20 days. 40% of the wine is aged in oak barrels (50% new oak), partly coming from the Tonnellerie des Domaines in Pauillac.
Tasting
Initially, the nose presents oak and roasted notes from the barrel ageing, it then becomes more complex with a hint of cloves and liquorice. On the palate, the attack is reserved but very refined, confirming the wine’s youth. With a little aeration it quickly develops volume, offering notes of black fruit and spices. The substantial proportion of Mourvèdre in this year’s blend, in combination with the balance of the Syrah and the Mediterranean characters of the Grenache and the Carignan, gives the wine a very elegant tannic structure. Well-integrated notes from the barrel ageing mingle harmoniously in a long, lingering finish.
Alcohol content
14.5
Grapes
Syrah
: 48 %
Mourvèdre
: 37 %
Grenache
: 8 %
Carignan
: 7 %