From: Limoux, Languedoc, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste: Taste: The Domaine Altugnac Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay from almost all hand-harvested fruit. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks (goes through full malo) to preserve the freshness and varietal character of the wine. Even though the wines come from a warm region, Jean-Luc and Chrisitian do an exceptional job of retaining acidity, tension and vibrancy in this white wine. We’re not kidding when we say that this vintage in particular is Chablis-like in character. Light straw in color with aromas of lemon confit, white flowers, green apple, white peach, and yuzu. The palate is bright and refreshing, with more lemon confit and white peach notes all wrapped up in a mineral core that lead to a lifted finish.
Pairing: This versatile Chardonnay pairs well with so many dishes. White fish and shellfish, polenta, poultry with lemon and/or dill, shrimp piccata or grilled shrimp skewers, pasta with pesto, pasta with white protein (fish, chicken, etc.) with browned butter, salads galore, soft & fresh cheeses, and dishes that include fruit all work extremely well alongside this wine. For today’s recipe, we’re sharing a recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make from Sicily: Pasta alla Brontese (Creamy Fettuccine With Pancetta and Pistachios) by Anna Francese Gass.
The top four things to know:
1. Jean-Luc Terrier and Christian Collovray, co-owners of Domaine des Deux Roches (aka Bourcier-Martinot), branched out beyond the Mâcon to Limoux in the southwestern part of the Languedoc in 1997. Today they are joined by their sons Julien Collovray and Pierre-Alexis Terrier.
2. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grow at 500 meters in elevation on shallow, limestone-centric soils.
3. As a nod to this high altitude terrain, in 2020 the domaine changed its name to Altugnac, which was also the historic name of the village of Antugnac in the 14th century.
4. The Limoux terroirs are pleasantly revealed under the passionate management of the Collovray & Terrier families. The wines are fresh, charming, and true to their varietal character while consistently lacking the heaviness sometimes found in warm climate wines.
