Domaine del’Aigle - Limoux
The irregularity in Limoux
Owner of 15 estates with exemplary profiles, Gérard Bertrand is the ambassador of fine wines of Languedoc-Roussillon around the world, tirelessly promoting the enchanting terroir located between the ancient Roman city of Narbonne and the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its success story, fame and most of all as one of the godfathers of biodynamics principles – for which he was one of the first to extend to a voluminous production – Gérard Bertrand is one exceptional character that has done so much for the region’s image with his quest to bring out the best in terroirs from his region and promote them worldwide. One of these estate – Domaine de l’Aigle has managed to actually push boundaries within the Limoux AOC. Acquired in 2006 from Burgundian producer Antonin Rodet, Domaine de l’Aigle stands at the foot of the Roquetaillade cliff, in the heart of the Cathar Country. In this Limousin part of France, one of the oldest vineyards, reputed for their famous sparkling specialty, an island of white in the Languedoc’s sea of red, this odd estate focused solely on still, single-varietal, terroir-driven wines has been the talk of the town. Limoux’s singularity is linked to its climate. The high altitude and rather cooler temperatures as well as high rainfall and clay-based with big blocks of limestone terroir make of Limoux the perfect setting for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to thrive. Gérard Bertrand’s ambition is to reveal the outstanding potential of those world-famous varieties, within a terroir that is perfectly suited for them. The issue here is while Chardonnay is allowed within the AOC Limoux Blanc as single-varietal. Pinot Noir in the region is exclusively destined for Crémant. The recent Limoux rouge AOC – officialized in 2004 – only allows blends of at least three grape varieties, including Merlot, Côt, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Increasingly, producers favor Pinot Noir for still red Limoux – even though it has to go to market as IGP Haute Vallée de l’Aude. The intrigue goes further than that. Besides the out of regulation production, Domaine de l’Aigle has also been exerting trials and experimentations to see the boundaries of that special place, some of which has put them in a bit of trouble. First, they tried to plant a little block of Syrah, destined for a single-varietal. With very unsatisfying results, they quickly replanted beloved Pinot Noir instead. Then, Gewürztraminer and Riesling were planted with a great outburst of opposition from the administration. For now, only the Gewürztraminer has managed to make it to bottling. The overall style of the estate is telling a unique and compelling story about this small, special, and under-appreciated corner of the Languedoc, not Burgundian nor Mediterranean, apart from everything else, with an elegance and surprising taste that can leave you speechless.
Domaine de l’Aigle
Aigle Royal Pinot Noir 2011
Aigle Royal is from the most qualitative Pinot Noir plot located mid-slopes and made of clay-limestone soils, all suited for this delicate varietal. This is the most concentrated, powerful, yet elegant wine of the estate. The 2011 vintage was Gérard Bertrand’s favorite, which he described as: “The best vintage to date, it was like the holy Jesus
came and took care of everything for us.” The aromatic profile is defined by the richness of the taste, with profound blackberries, Cherries, Garrigue, earl grey tea, and aromatic spices. Smoothly structured with depth more than structured, it’s a unique, personal style of Pinot Noir.
Domaine de l’Aigle
Aigle Royal Chardonnay 2015
From the highest Chardonnay parcel of the estate, all south-oriented, this Chardonnay really shows the mineral-driven, rich potential of the region. It’s aged on fine lees and in new French oak barrels (100%) for 6 to 8 months. Selective Malolactic fermentation is also carried out on some barrels only, all of which serve to create the ample & creamy texture. Subtly fruity, with notes of peach pit, marzipan and almond, it’s a tender but delicious Chardonnay.