Domaine Les Aurelles - Languedoc Aurel rouge 2017

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

It exudes freshness and energy, with more depth than breadth. All this while retaining Aurel’s core characteristics, particularly its incredible aromatic profile, which was further enhanced in 2017. It finishes light and airy, with a remarkable delicacy brought by this magnificent wine.

About the estate:

Located near Pézenas, about thirty kilometers from the Mediterranean, the Domaine des Aurelles, spanning just under ten hectares, boasts a dream terroir, one of a kind, blending basalt and gravel in a breathtaking landscape that stretches all the way to the Cévennes. Solen, the first cuvée, surpasses most Languedoc wines. Aurel is the grand vin. Both cuvées are released after a significant period of bottle aging and are not aged in oak. Aurel blanc is unique, released after several years in the cellar: this is a truly great wine for fine dining. Recently taken over by Matthieu Gufflet (Château Guiraud in Sauternes), a new chapter is beginning.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

The volcanic terroir shines through in the 2017 Aurel, with its delicate texture and notes of blood orange and charcoal. The harmonious blend of Mourvèdre and Grenache will continue to delight us in 10 years’ time.

About the estate:

Over the past 30 years, the estate founded by Basile and Caroline Saint-Germain has become a standard-bearer for the Languedoc’s revival and a driving force for Pézenas. In late 2022, the estate was acquired by Bordeaux entrepreneur Matthieu Gufflet, owner of Château de Callac in the Graves, Château Guiraud in Sauternes, and Château des Bachelards in Fleurie. Two years later, Basile Saint-Germain officially handed the reins to Sandrine Garbay, director of the Gufflet estates, who continues the collaboration with winemaker Margarethe Chapelle. The 8.5 hectares of vineyards, cultivated biodynamically without certification, are planted on Quaternary terraces covered with rounded pebbles and scattered with basalt flows from the volcanoes of Auvergne. The grapes are then vinified in a bioclimatic cellar, whose energy efficiency supports the aging process. The harvest, subjected to rigorous sorting and aged for 4 to 5 years, yields a small selection of wines of rare purity.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Damp earth, dried herbs, olives, black raspberries, and strawberries. Juicy, ripe, and deep, with salty notes in the fruit that make you want to take another sip. Firm yet elegant tannins. 85% Mourvèdre and 15% Grenache. Ready to drink now or for aging.