Château d'Aqueria - Lirac blanc 2024
92/100
Decanter
16/20
Jancis Robinson
91/100
Jeb Dunnuck
"The minerality characteristic of its limestone terroir blends with the aromatic expression of the grape varieties."
"It has a medium golden color and a juicy, clean, and pure nose of stone fruit, lemon cream with honey, and flowers. It is medium-bodied, clean, pure, and precise on the palate, with good concentration, integrated acidity, and exceptional length." (Jeb Dunnuck 2026)
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Eye
A bright yellow color with golden highlights
Nose
Complex, with aromas of peach and white flowers and a hint of exotic notes
Palate
A clean, smooth, and delicate attack; liveliness and length; rich, persistent aromatic complexity
Serve
At 10-12°C
Open
1/2 hour before
Drink before
2029
Food and Wine Pairings
Enjoy it with a Caesar salad, scallop carpaccio, chicken with morel mushrooms, goat cheese, or monkfish à l’armoricaine...
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2022 guide): 3*Stars (High-quality production that serves as a benchmark in its sector)
About the estate:
The estate is unique in that it is the only one to span both the Tavel and Lirac appellations in a single contiguous block, covering 65 hectares. Its surface pebbles and sandy-clay subsoil produce fairly fresh wines, as the vines suffer less from the heat than in other areas. The Tavel includes eight of the nine grape varieties authorized in the appellation; it is a source of pride for the Bez family, who manage this magnificent estate with discretion and wisdom. With its reasonable prices, it serves as a model for the region. The wines here demonstrate tremendous aging potential and develop admirable complexity, as regularly demonstrated by vertical tastings.
Decanter
Wine rated (2025 guide) 92/100
About the wine:
With aromas of peach, citrus zest, and green apple, this wine is crisp, clean, and lively. Surprisingly full-bodied, with lovely roundness and a rich, full palate, it is carried by a lemony acidity that extends the finish. A firm and confident style.
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate (2022 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer's wines regularly receive awards from the guide)
About the estate:
In 1919, Jean Olivier acquired the former estate of the Counts of Aqueria, centered around an 18th-century château and featuring a French-style park. His son-in-law, Paul de Bez, completely restructured the vineyard: today, it comprises 64 hectares in a single block, managed since 1984 by his grandsons Vincent and Bruno, who are now joined by Raphaël, representing the fourth generation. A sure bet for Lirac and Tavel wines.
Guide des Vins Gault & Millau
Estate rated 3 stars (Very high-quality production)
About the estate:
The Château d'Aqueria traces its origins to the 16th century. In 1920, it was acquired by Jean Olivier, who elevated it to prominence. Today, Vincent and Bruno de Bez tend to the lands of their childhood—no less than 66 hectares. Aside from the Tavel, a renowned rosé for fine dining, the rest of the production, under the Lirac appellation (both red and white), is often noteworthy.
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated (2025 guide) 16/20
About the wine:
A very appealing nose with notes of lime zest and pear. Rich and succulent on the palate, with good concentration throughout. Engaging, with a long finish. Appealing, it should age well over the next few years.
Jeb Dunnuck
Wine rated (2026 guide) 91/100
About the wine:
A classic blend from the estate, now crafted by Ralph Garcin, the 2024 Lirac Blanc is composed of 40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, and 10% Bourboulenc, Roussanne, and Viognier. It is aged for nine months in stainless steel tanks (50%) and concrete tanks (50%) on fine lees with regular stirring. It has a medium golden color and a juicy, crisp, and pure nose of stone fruit, honeyed lemon cream, and flowers. It is medium-bodied, clean, pure, and precise on the palate, with good concentration, well-integrated acidity, and exceptional length. Best enjoyed within the next 4 to 5 years. Best enjoyed between 2026 and 2030.