| Unique in France, "Toques et Clochers" has distinguished since 1990 the excellence of its wines and winemakers. Limoux benefits from an exceptional situation in Languedoc symbolized by the Toques & Clochers auction. It is sponsored every year by a leading chef (a "toque") and winemakers from all over the world are invited. The auction takes place on Sunday afternoon during Palm Sunday weekend, after a tasting held in the morning. The barrels are sold at prices which testify to the quality of the wines and widespread recognition of this unique AOC. A share of the proceeds from the auction is used to pay for the restoration of a church bell tower ("clocher") in the appellation, restoring the original character and architectural heritage of these villages in the Upper Valley of the Aude. The bell towers symbolize the careful terroir based selection developed by Les Vignerons de Sieur d’Arques. In fact there are some 3800 plots on four specific terroirs around forty bell tower villages. The four terroirs are Méditerranéen, Autant, Océanique and Haute-Vallée. They give birth to very distinctive wines. |
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| Crémant de Limoux |
| Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc de blancs from 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin, 10% Mauzac Limoux is the birthplace of sparkling wine, as it is in 1531 that the Benedictine monks of Saint Hilaire abbey created the first sparkling wine in the world (Méthode traditionnelle). This Crémant is made from carefully selected grapes from hillside plots located on the 4 different terroirs, with Southern to Southeastern exposure for the “Haute Vallée” and “Océanique” terroirs and Northern exposure for the “Méditerranéen” and “Autan” terroirs. The age of the vines, which are at least 15 years old, and the cultivation methods contribute to optimal ripening of the grapes and concentration of the different aromas. The relatively low yields (less than 50hl/ hectare) whole clusters are exclusively hand-picked and put in boxes to preserve the integrity of the fruit. After slow, gentle pressing, only the heart of each wine from each of the four terroirs are selected and separately vinified to make this blend. Cold static settling of the juice and low temperature fermentation favor the extraction of primary aromas. Bottle fermentation takes place under ideal conditions (12°C) favoring slow and regular fermentation and thus enhancing the delicacy of the crémant both in terms of aromas and bubbles. Prolonged aging on the lees for a minimum of 24 months allows development of the tertiary aromas. During disgorging, a special liquor is prepared to preserve the integrity of the original Cuvée. Pale yellow robe with green lights. Delicate, long-lasting bubbles. The complexity of the aromas comes from the composition of the blend, and the secondary and tertiary aromas from the aging on the lees. White flowers (hawthorn and acacia), pear and peach followed by toasted, brioche and fresh butter aromas make a harmonious bouquet. The overall impression is fresh and lively. This harmonious and elegant Crémant is best served at 7°-8°, as an aperitif, with dessert or with delicate seafood dishes. |
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| Limoux Blanc – Haute Vallée |
| AOC Limoux 100% Chardonnay from the highest, coolest limestone vineyards in Limoux. The AOC Limoux is situated at the crossroads of the major climatic influences. 20 years of research and development have allowed to reveal that Limoux was not a unique terroir, but four terroirs having each their personality. Indeed topographical situation, climate, soil and subsoil quality differs in each terroir revealing the diversity and the richness of the Limoux vineyard. Located to the south, closer to the Pyrenees, in the Haute Vallée, the climate is increasingly cold. Growing at around 400-500 meters high, the Chardonnays are very floral and mineral, with a beautiful harmony between roundness and acidity. 90% of the juice comes from pressing of the entire harvest on pneumatic presses, while 10% come from skin-based maceration (24 hours at 17°C). Indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for nine months in oak barrels (1/3 new, 1/3 one year old, 1/3 two years old). Nice yellow color with golden hints. Steady and open bouquet with notes of white flowers. Harmonious palate with roundness and an aromatic complexity on the finish. |
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