Château d'Aussières
The vintage
2010 will be remembered for its cold winter, with unusually well-defined waves of low temperatures. The mild weather in April contrasted with the coldness of March and particularly that of May, when low temperatures, rain and even snow delayed the growth cycle of the early grape varieties. A hot summer with low rainfall did not allow the vines to catch up.
Despite a very wet May, the overall rainfall was below average at the time of harvest. Aussières' "cool" terroir helped the vines withstand the dry period, but the harvest was later than the previous year.
The mild days and cool nights of the autumn enabled slow ripening with well-balanced grapes.
Location
The estate is nestled in the rugged hills just behind the Mediterranean coastline of Narbonne, in the South of France.
Terroir
The grapes for Château d’Aussières are sourced from selected plots on the tops of the hills. The soil is very shallow, consisting of sandstone with very little clay, and water is scarce. As a result, the yields are very low. The blend consists mainly of Syrah and Mourvèdre, with small quantities of Grenache and Carignan. The Mourvèdre vines have been producing grapes of outstanding quality for the past few years, as they reach maturity. Green harvests are carried out and the grapes are strictly selected in order to obtain a wine that combines power and precision.
Winemaking
Vinification is performed traditionnally. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel and concrete vats. Some of the Carignan undergoes carbonic maceration, which confers the wine its unique balsamic notes. During fermentation, the fermenting wine is regularly pumped over to allow a gentle extraction of the tannins. Once fermentation is completed, the wine is left undisturbed for a couple of days. The total maceration time is 15-20 days. 40% of the wine is aged in oak barrels (50% new oak), partly coming from the Tonnellerie des Domaines in Pauillac.
Grapes
Tasting
Superb, deep dark colour.
Beautiful nose with just a hint of woodiness and vanilla. The maturing notes are already perfectly integrated. The nose develops a blend of black fruit dominated by fresh blackberries.
The attack is fresh and rather mild, but the wine evolves quickly in the mouth, developing an excellent richness, typical of the great vintages at Aussières. The remarkably long finish is well supported by ripe, elegant, precise tannins.
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