Le Jardin des Vignes Rares Marselan, Pays d’Oc 2019

About the producer

Based in the heart of the Languedoc in Lezignan-Corbières, Domaines Auriol is a family-owned winery set up in 1995 by Claude Vialade. As the daughter of a former wine estate manager, wine has always been second nature to Claude. Today Domaines Auriol is a producer as well as a négociant who prides itself in its Occitan roots. Domaines Auriol is also one of the largest producer of Organic wines in the area and has been very proud of its environmental credentials for the past 25 years.

Wine growing / wine making

In the 90s, Claude Vialade initiated an experimental vineyard anticipating climate changes. After analyisng 27 different soils, grape varieties were selected for their quality and resistance to drought. Marselan is a crossing between the Cabernet and Grenache Noir grape varieties with two characteristics: it has a short foliar cycle (optimal ripening) in a cool area where Carignan did not ripen properly, and soft tannins. This vineyard is located on the high terraces of the Corbières in Ribaute. Harvesting is done by hand, with fruit is picked in the morning to guarantee freshness. After destemming, the crop is sorted by hand. Fermentation starts
directly, and includes some gentle pumping over. Some of the malolactic fermentation occurs in casks where the wine remains for 9 months.

Tasting notes

Beautiful deep color. Discreet nose, smoky, creamy, mineral. A beautiful structure frames the dense and tense palate. Blackcurrant, licorice, cloves. Gilbert & Gaillard 91/100.

Food pairing

Venison casserole, black olive & beef stew, tagine with prunes & lamb, peppers stuffed with garlic, rosemary, thyme & rice, wild boar, duck.

Technical details

Varieties:
Marselan
Closure: Natural cork
ABV: 15%
Colour: Red
Style: Still
Case size: 6 bottles
Oak Ageing: 9 months