History
Domaine d’Aussières, located in Corbières near Narbonne, traces its winemaking roots to Roman times, supplying wine to Rome by 97 AD. Linked to Fontfroide Abbey from 1211, it served as a Cistercian agricultural hub until the French Revolution. Acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in 1999, the 550-hectare estate underwent extensive restoration. Vines were replanted, and a modern winery was built in the old cellars, revitalizing one of Languedoc's oldest properties.
Viticulture Philosophy
The estate spans 167 hectares of vineyards in the Corbières AOC (two-thirds) and Vin de Pays d’Oc (one-third), planted with Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault, alongside Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet varieties. Organic since 2018, Aussières prioritizes biodiversity, maintaining 15 hectares of olive trees, native scrub, and forest on 66% of the estate. The cool, high-altitude Fontfroide terroir, with shallow, stony soils and sandy plains, promotes low yields (35 hl/ha) for concentrated fruit.
Winemaking Techniques
Aussières blends tradition with precision. Grapes from top hilltop plots are hand-selected for Château d’Aussières, with 40% aged in new oak barrels (12-16 months) for structure. Blason d’Aussières sees 20% barrel aging (12 months) for freshness, while Aussières Rouge is vat-aged for early drinking. Rosé and white wines emphasize aromatic finesse, with Chardonnay bottled post-harvest to preserve vibrancy. Wild yeast and minimal intervention highlight terroir.
Critics and Journalist Praises
Château d’Aussières 2019 earned praise for its “graceful black and red fruits” and “impressively balanced” profile, with notes of baked raspberry and rosemary (Berry Bros. & Rudd). Wine-Searcher notes its Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Gold awards (2006, 2008 vintages). Vivino rates it 3.7/5, highlighting its complexity and food-pairing versatility with beef and pasta. Critics commend its finesse, elegance, and aging potential (10+ years).
