AOC Limoux blanc

IN THE VINEYARD AND WINERY

Varietal range

Chardonnay, Chenin and Mauzac as single varietals or blends

Winemaking

The fruit is picked by hand to avoid crushing the grapes which must arrive at the winery in whole clusters for pressing. Another mandatory requirement is that the grapes must have a minimum alcohol content of 11° on the vine. In terms of winemaking, Limoux white wines are unique in that they are the only Languedoc appellation where fermentation and ageing must occur in oak casks. Ageing on fine lees, with manual stirring every fortnight, lasts until the May 1st after the harvest, sometimes longer depending on the wine grower’s approach. 

AT THE TABLE

Appearance

Displays a beautiful clear colour with crystalline tints if the predominant varietal is Chenin or Mauzac, and more golden if Chardonnay prevails.

Nose

When Chardonnay-dominant, it exudes vanilla, candied fruit and toasted hazelnut notes. When Chenin takes pride of place, it offers up scents of white flowers, peach and plum with beautiful minerality. And if Mauzac gets the upper hand, hallmark varietal aromas of green apple and pear are perceptible.

Flavour

Should be drunk chilled, ideally at a temperature of 10°C. It partners with shellfish, fish and foie gras as well as all cheeses which show better with white wines than reds, like mature goat’s cheeses, Cantal or Pyrenean ewe’s milk cheese.