Las Salvios Limoux Blanc
AOP 2022
Domaine Girard was set up beginning of the 20th century in Alaigne and has seen four generations of winegrowers tend its vines.
The last one to come in is Philippe, who joined his father end of 1999. They then decided to bottle their production and their first vintage was 2000.
On the South side of the Massif de la Malepère, this Estate grows 25 hectares of varietals among which merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, cot, pinot noir and chardonnay.
The village of Alaigne stands against the « cuesta » that is the natural border of the area of appellation Malepère. Here the vineyards reach an altitude of 350 meters.
In the upper valley of the Aude, near Conilhac de la Montagne, which deserves its name, the parcel “ Las Salvios ”sits at 450 m on a mesa with a soil of silt, sand and clay, facing South East.
The Estate uses the principles of “agriculture raisonnée”, with as little use of chemicals as possible and extensive use of mechanical work to keep yields low and improve its quality.
The harvest is done at full ripeness, by hand. Grapes are collected on flat crates to avoid crushing. Yield is around 40 Hl/ha.
Direct pressing, with selection of the juices. Fermenting in 500 l oak barrels, with regular stirring of the lees.
Depending on the vintage, maturing lasts between 8 and 10 months.
Serve at 14 / 16°C.
A very aromatic chardonnay, with mineral undertones. If drunk young, some decanting will help it reveal its full character, to associate with elaborate fish dishes or sophisticated white meat recipes.