Les Volets Pinot Noir, Pays de la Haute Vallée de l’Aude

Tasting Notes from the Curator

Bright ruby red, with upfront aromas of freshly-picked raspberries and an underlying savoury leesiness. Fleshy red fruits continue to the palate and are joined by fine tannins and juicy acidity - the foundations of a serious Pinot Noir.

Pairings

Delicious both with and without food. Makes a great pairing partner for herby sausage casserole, grilled meat such as lamb, duck and chicken. For cheeses, you may try this Pinot Noir with Mozarella Bufala, Gruyere, Smoked Gouda and Grana Padano.

Best Conditions

Grapes are sourced from the wild, rugged landscape of Pays Cathare that surrounds the towns of Carcassonne and Limoux with its argilo–calcaire soils. Home to the AOPs of Languedoc and Limoux, the vineyards do not stop with the AOP geographical limits and it is from these outskirts that some exceptionally interesting wines have been sourced. One of the great advantages of the region is that it benefits from enviable geographic and climatic conditions. The warm Mediterranean sunshine is tempered by the altitude and the cooler nights are characteristic of the foothills of the Pyrenees. These are ideal conditions, allowing for the longer, slower ripening of the grapes and providing a superb base for the elaboration of wines that offer intensity, complexity and finesse.The traditional ‘noble’ grape varieties of Pinot Noir have a natural affinity in the Haute Vallée de l’Aude. Made from mostly hand-picked grapes, this wine has been vinified in large, old oak barrels which impart texture and intensity.

Store unopened red wines in a cool, dry, and dark place safe from constant vibration. Keep your bottle horizontal in a wine rack or cellar to retain the moistness of the cork. The ideal temperature for storage is between 16 to 18°C. Once opened, a bottle will be good for 3 to 5 days standing upright in the refrigerator.