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PREMIUM

Gérard Bertrand’s Aigle Royal Chardonnay is one to watch

Drawn from the most prized vines at Gérard Bertrand's Domaine de l’Aigle in Limoux near the Pyrenees, this is a fine white wine with great potential, writes Elizabeth Gabay MW, who recently tasted several vintages.

The wine region of Limoux is best known for its eponymous sparkling wine, either Blanquette de Limoux or Crémant de Limoux, made with Mauzac, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and some Pinot Noir, with its first sparkling wine probably produced in 1531, by the monks at the abbey in Saint-Hilaire.


Scroll down to see scores and tasting notes for a seven-wine vertical of Aigle Royal Chardonnay


Located west of the Roussillon, on the eastern end of the mountainous Pyrenees, the climate here is dominated by strong winds; the cool dry Cers wind blowing from the Atlantic and the warm, humid Marin wind from the Mediterranean.

Depending on the location, the influence is more Mediterranean or Atlantic. The vineyards lie at higher altitudes on a mix of clay, sandstone and limestone soils. This terroir combination results in a particularly cool, moist climate coupled with ample sunshine on south-facing slopes.

Domaine de l’Aigle is one of eleven biodynamic estates owned by the Languedoc winemaker and négociant Gérard Bertrand.


See scores and tasting notes for a seven-wine vertical of Aigle Royal Chardonnay


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