Vallée des Aigles Limoux Chardonnay 2022

Serodes & Kovač

From a 30-hectare plot of vines planted in the 1970s at 440 MASL, these Chardonnay vines are amongst the oldest in the whole of the Languedoc and this wine is – all things considered – the best Chardonnay we have ever tasted from this exciting region, one that is all-too-often overlooked when it comes to premium wines. The soils are typical Aude Valley clay and limestone, and the area has a remarkable thermal amplitude with its proximity to the mountains.

The grapes burst under their own weight in small stainless steel vats and the settled free-run juice is transferred to French oak barrels (10% new) for fermentation, where it remains for 6 months after harvest undergoing extensive lees stirring.

This is a brilliant Chardonnay crafted in a style that might make you think of Bourgogne wines that fetch a far greater price, especially these days. The oak is beautifully judged, and the fruit is sublime.