Domaine de L'Aigle 2021 Pinot Noir, Limoux AOP
Domaine de L'Aigle 2021 Pinot Noir, Limoux AOP
91 Pts for Gerard Bertrand's Award Winning Biodynamic Pinot!
91 Pts for Gerard Bertrand's Award Winning Biodynamic Pinot!
Domaine de l’Aigle is located near Limoux in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The estate covers some 113 acres, with vines planted between 800 and 1600 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest vineyards in the Languedoc. Pinot Noir vines thrive in climatic conditions similar to those of Burgundy, where the grape originated; an oceanic climate with continental influences, frequent rainfall and a wide temperature range. When Gerard Bertrand purchased the estate he converted all of the framing to biodynamic with certification pending. Gerard of course is a master of Languedoc wines and varietals, to fully understand the intricacies of Pinot Noir he received advice from his friend, none other than Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanee Conti.
The fruit is harvested by hand and transported to the winery in small boxes. The grapes are separated from the bunches and sorted thoroughly to remove all stems, leaves, etc. The fruit then undergoes pre-fermentation cold maceration for 5 to 8 days, with frequent cap punching. In the early stages of alcoholic fermentation, the grape skins are punched-down, little by little, to ensure optimal extraction of aromas and tannins, then goes to stirring. The maceration process lasts around 3 weeks. The must is then lightly pressed in a pneumatic pressing machine, separating the free-run juice from the pressed juice. The freerun juice is cooled for 24 hours and then transferred to the French oak barrels for 9 months of malolactic fermentation and aging.
This wine has a ruby red color with light copper highlights. The nose is dominated by aromas of small berries (raspberry, redcurrant) very intense with some toasted notes. It is tender, fruity and finely spicy on the palate. It has fine and silky tannins, exceptional structure, accompanied by a long and fruity finish.
This pinot noir was given 91 points by James Suckling, saying, “Forest berries, smoke, dried herbs and baking spices on the nose. Medium body with sleek tannins. Silky texture with volume on the mid-palate. It’s fruity and well-balanced with a succulent finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.”