Domaine Les Aurelles, Aurel Blanc 2016

Domaine Les Aurelles Aurel Blanc 2016 is a strikingly refined expression of Roussanne from the sun‑drenched hills of Languedoc, France. Crafted in small quantities, it is a serious, age‑worthy white that combines Mediterranean richness with an almost Burgundian sense of precision and texture. This cuvée has become a quiet insider’s favorite, showcasing just how complex and long‑lived Languedoc whites can be.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Aurel Blanc 2016 shows a deep straw to light golden color, hinting at both maturity and concentration. The nose is layered and evolving: ripe stone fruits (apricot, white peach) mingle with notes of acacia blossom, chamomile, honeycomb and subtle citrus peel, supported by delicate hints of almond, beeswax and a gentle saline lift. On the palate, the wine is full‑bodied yet poised, with a silky, almost glycerol texture balanced by a fine, persistent acidity. Flavors of baked pear, apricot and preserved lemon unfold alongside nuances of brioche, hazelnut and dried herbs, leading into a long, savory and slightly spicy finish. At this stage, the 2016 vintage is entering a beautiful drinking window, with tertiary notes just beginning to emerge. With proper cellaring, it still has several more years of development ahead, gaining in complexity and nutty, honeyed depth.

Production
Domaine Les Aurelles farms its vineyards in the Languedoc on well‑drained, stony soils that naturally limit yields and intensify flavor, with a climate moderated by Mediterranean influences and cooling breezes. The Roussanne for Aurel Blanc is typically harvested by hand in small crates, allowing careful selection of only perfectly ripe, healthy grapes. In the cellar, the must is gently pressed and fermented at controlled temperatures, often in a combination of stainless steel and larger neutral oak to preserve Roussanne’s aromatics while adding texture and complexity. The wine is then aged on fine lees for an extended period, with minimal intervention, to build structure, enhance mouthfeel and support long‑term aging potential before bottling.

Food & Serving
Aurel Blanc 2016 is a versatile partner for richly flavored dishes: think roasted poultry with herbs, creamy veal or chicken fricassée, seared scallops, monkfish, lobster, or white fish in beurre blanc. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom dishes, mild to medium‑aged cheeses (Comté, Beaufort, aged goat’s cheese) and Mediterranean cuisine such as roast vegetables with olive oil and herbs. Serve slightly cool, around 11–13°C (52–55°F), rather than fridge‑cold to let the aromatics fully open. A brief decant of 20–30 minutes can help the wine unfold its more complex layers, especially if opened on the younger side of its drinking window.

Producer
Domaine Les Aurelles is a small, quality‑driven estate in the Languedoc, founded with the ambition of demonstrating that this historically undervalued region can produce wines of real finesse and longevity. Working thoughtfully in the vineyards and with a minimalist philosophy in the cellar, the domaine has earned a reputation among sommeliers and collectors for its distinctive, terroir‑driven cuvées. Its focus on low yields, careful handwork and patient élevage has helped position Les Aurelles as one of the more serious artisan producers in the area, contributing to the broader recognition of Languedoc as a source of premium, age‑worthy wines.

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