Domaine d'Aupilhac Languedoc 'Cuvee Aupilhac' Blanc 2022 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
The 2022 “Cuvée Aupilhac” Blanc comes from the rugged, sun-drenched hills of the Languedoc, near the southern edge of the Massif Central. The vineyards sit at varying altitudes across schist and granite soils, with pockets of limestone and alluvial deposits. These well-draining, mineral-rich soils produce naturally low yields, concentrating flavors and allowing the vines to express both varietal character and site specificity.

The climate is typically Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers tempered by cooling mountain breezes. This diurnal variation preserves natural acidity while allowing full phenolic and aromatic ripeness. The diverse terroir of Domaine d’Aupilhac, combined with meticulous vine management, results in a wine that balances power, freshness, and a distinct sense of place—a hallmark of the estate’s commitment to expressing the Languedoc’s complexity.

Winemaking
Domaine d’Aupilhac employs a thoughtful, artisanal approach to crafting the “Cuvée Aupilhac” Blanc. Grapes are hand-harvested to ensure optimal ripeness and gentle handling. The juice is then pressed carefully, and fermentation occurs in a combination of stainless steel and French oak barrels, often using indigenous yeasts to enhance aromatic complexity and preserve terroir expression.

The wine undergoes partial barrel fermentation and lees aging, which adds texture and richness while maintaining freshness. A small proportion of new oak is used, but always with restraint, allowing the natural minerality and fruit of the Languedoc terroir to dominate. The resulting wine is both expressive and precise, reflecting the vintage’s ripeness and the estate’s signature style of elegance combined with textural depth.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 “Cuvée Aupilhac” Blanc displays a pale gold color with subtle green reflections, hinting at both vitality and precision. The nose is layered and inviting, opening with citrus blossom, ripe pear, and white peach, complemented by more exotic notes of white flowers, hints of honeysuckle, and a subtle herbal nuance. Underlying mineral tones—chalk, wet stone, and a touch of saline—speak to the schist and granite soils of the vineyard.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied yet luminous, balancing richness with energy. Bright citrus, white peach, and pear are framed by vibrant acidity and a stony, mineral-driven texture. Lees contact adds a creamy mouthfeel and depth, while the restrained oak provides a gentle layer of spice and toast. The finish is long, harmonious, and persistent, leaving impressions of citrus peel, stone, and subtle almond.

Food Pairings
The versatility of the “Cuvée Aupilhac” Blanc makes it an exceptional companion at the table. It pairs beautifully with fresh seafood such as scallops, shrimp, or grilled white fish, especially with butter or citrus-based sauces. Poultry dishes—roast chicken, lightly sauced turkey, or veal with herbs—highlight the wine’s textural elegance.

Vegetarian preparations, particularly those featuring mushrooms, root vegetables, or creamy grains, also work beautifully. Soft to semi-firm cheeses, including Brie, young Comté, or fresh goat cheese, complement the wine’s acidity and minerality. Serve chilled, around 50–54°F, to fully reveal its aromatic complexity and crystalline structure.

Cellaring & Longevity
The 2022 “Cuvée Aupilhac” Blanc is approachable in its youth, offering immediate freshness, aromatic vibrancy, and mineral precision. With careful cellaring, it has the structure to develop greater depth and complexity over the next 5–8 years, revealing tertiary notes of honeyed citrus, almond, and subtle lees-driven creaminess.

This wine exemplifies Domaine d’Aupilhac’s signature style: expressive, terroir-driven, and balanced, making it both a pleasure to enjoy now and a rewarding candidate for short- to medium-term cellaring.