Domaine Les Aurelles, Solen 2016

Domaine Les Aurelles Solen 2016 is a refined Languedoc red that shows just how elegant and ageworthy the region’s wines can be. Crafted from old-vine Grenache and Carignan, it balances Mediterranean warmth with remarkable freshness and tension. This cuvée has become something of a quiet insider’s favorite, showcasing the estate’s meticulous, low-intervention approach and the untapped potential of this corner of Southern France.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Solen 2016 presents a deep, vibrant ruby color with a touch of garnet at the rim, hinting at its evolution. The nose is expressive and layered: ripe black cherry, wild strawberry, and blackberry are interwoven with notes of garrigue herbs (thyme, rosemary), crushed violets, licorice, and a subtle graphite minerality. With air, more savory tones emerge—dried tobacco, cocoa, and a gentle spice from long élevage rather than overt oak. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied yet finely structured, with silky tannins and a lively acidity that keeps the fruit lifted. Flavors of dark red and black berries are framed by hints of dried fig, tapenade, and warm stones, reflecting its sun-drenched but wind-cooled terroir. The finish is long, pure, and slightly saline, leaving a lingering impression of spice and herbs. At this stage, the 2016 is entering a beautiful drinking window, with enough structure and concentration to develop further for another 5–8 years, gaining more tertiary complexity and softness over time.

Production
Solen is sourced from carefully tended vineyards in the Languedoc, where Grenache and Carignan vines sink their roots deep into stony, limestone-rich soils that naturally limit yields and concentrate flavor. The Mediterranean climate, tempered by cooling winds, allows the grapes to ripen fully while preserving freshness and aromatic intensity. Grapes are typically harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, with strict selection in the vineyard and at the winery to ensure only pristine fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vessels, often with gentle extraction to capture finesse rather than power. The wine is then aged patiently—usually in a combination of neutral vessels and older barrels—to let the purity of the fruit and the character of the terroir shine, without heavy oak influence.

Food & Serving
Domaine Les Aurelles Solen 2016 is a versatile partner at the table, excelling with Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Think herb-crusted lamb, grilled duck breast, cassoulet, or roasted pork with fennel and olives. It also pairs beautifully with hard cheeses like aged Comté or Manchego, as well as earthy vegetable dishes featuring mushrooms, eggplant, or lentils. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. Decanting for 45–60 minutes is recommended to allow the aromatics to fully open and the tannins to soften, especially if enjoyed on the younger side of its drinking window.

Producer
Domaine Les Aurelles is a small, quality-driven estate in the Languedoc, known among enthusiasts for its artisanal approach and quietly outstanding wines. Founded by passionate vignerons committed to low yields, meticulous vineyard work, and minimal intervention in the cellar, the domaine has helped elevate the reputation of Languedoc reds beyond simple “sunshine wines” to something far more nuanced and ageworthy. With a focus on traditional Southern French varieties such as Grenache and Carignan, Domaine Les Aurelles has earned a loyal following and critical recognition for its precision, elegance, and the strong sense of place that each cuvée, including Solen, expresses.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.