Languedoc Pézenas Aurel Domaine les Aurelles 1998

Keen to acquire a vieilles vignes property, Basile Saint-Germain fell in love with the Domaine des Aurelles near Pézenas, and moved there in 1995. Originally a native of the Médoc, he had worked for two years at Château Latour, and – in common with his partner, Caroline Voisin – had had years of experience in Cognac. Together, they put into practice the skills and single-minded focus they had acquired from their home region… tailoring them carefully to their new home terroir, on the edge of the Nizas plateau, 30km from the Mediterranean. The hills feature Villafranchian sandy-gravel soil and basalt scree. The domain is adept in its use of phytobiology – the study of plants to avoid the use of fertiliser. Its vinification methods involve very little intervention.

The Aurel red cuvée rouge is a blend of Mourvèdre and Grenache grapes grown on the hillsides and with yields restricted to 20 hectolitres per hectare. The wine is aged in vats for 48 months. Aurel is a complex and refined wine. The predominant aromas are dark fruit and spice, while delicate and silky tannins enhance the elegant, mineral and spicy palate. Its structure and style are comparable to Burgundy Pinot Noir.