Winemaker Notes
Blason d'Aussieres fully embodies the wild and unspoiled nature of the Languedoc. Combining the traditional local grape varieties, this wine is silky and elegant, with aromas of black fruit and a hint of spices and vanilla.
Blend: 38% Syrah, 35% Grenache Noir, 18% Carignan, 9% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A perfumed nose of blueberry, cinnamon and nutmeg is followed by aromas of vanilla and red-cherry skin. Velvety tannins coat the palate and lead into a long finish that lingers in black cherry.
Due to its exceptional geographical location and unique wine-growing site and history, Domaine d’Aussières is one of those wild, natural places that gives an impression of great force and beauty. These words of Baron Eric explain why he fell in love with the estate and Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) has taken on the challenge to revitalize one of the oldest and most beautiful wine-making estates in the Narbonne area.
Acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in 1999, the 1,359 acre estate has undergone a vast rehabilitation program. 413 acres of vines have been replanted with carefully selected traditional Languedoc grape varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan, complimented with Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay. The building was restored at the same time and a new winery installed in the old cellars, at the heart of the vineyard.
Eric Kohler comes from a family of wine-growers. He achieved his Secondary and Higher education in Montpellier and Toulouse with a diploma’s in Agricultural Engineering from the Agricultural College of Purpan in 1992 and a National Diploma of Oenology in 1992. Eric assumed the role of Estate Manager of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Bordeaux Chateaux and as such will oversee Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Duhart-Milon, Chateau L’Evangile and Chateau Rieussec.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
An extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.