Region

Languedoc Roussillion is a coastal region of southern France extending from Provence to the border of Spain. It is France’s largest wine producing region offering high quality and value. The region sees lots of sun, lower rainfall and beneficial winds making it France’s largest producer of organic wines.

Variety

Chardonnay is one of the most versatile grapes as it can be made in a wide variety of styles and can grow anywhere. In cooler climates it can be lean and crisp and in warmer climates it can be more fruit forward and rich. There are also a variety of techniques that can be used to make this wine more complex. With hundreds of different styles, there is a chardonnay for everyone! The grapes from this chardonnay come from a warmer climate so it is stylistically richer and bolder although only a small percentage of the wine sees oak with the remaining aged on viognier lees in stainless steel.

Producer

Altovinum is a joint partnership between Eric Solomon, an American wine importer and consultant and wine makers Jean Marc and Eliane Lafage of the acclaimed Domaine Lafage in Roussillon. The Lafage have a long history of wine making all over the world before settling in Roussillon. 

For many years Eric Solomon was working with a cooperative in Languedoc to make Novellum. Since that time, they’ve moved the project to Roussillon where Jean Marc and Eliane have some chardonnay planted near the mediterranean that makes a complex and mineral version of the variety. 

Serving

10-13 degrees, in a Chardonnay glass with a wider opening at the top. The wine should not be as cold as crisper whites, as you want to enhance the aromatics and complexities. If the wine is too warm, the flavours are muddled and you can taste the alcohol more. Rounded bowl and wide rim—dispenses the acidity and bold flavours evenly to the back and sides of the tongue.

The Nose

Ripe citrus, honey, crushed rocks, almonds, white flowers, brioche. Perfumed and exotic.

Tasting Notes

Stone fruit, lemon curd with a touch of salinity. Rich and full with great minerality and bright acidity.

Food Pairings

Restaurant: Sablefish, orca beans, white wine, meyer lemon.

Home: Shellfish, fish based mains, white meat, seafood pasta.

If You Like This Wine, You May Also Like…

Viognier.

Why We Like It

It really has it all in this Chardonnay, the fruit, minerality, texture, complexity, and it all ties together in a wonderful balance, and can be compared to much more expensive wines.