Blason d'Aussières Languedoc

Blason d'Aussières Languedoc: A Deep Dive into Languedoc's FInest

The sun-drenched vineyards of Languedoc, nestled in the picturesque south of France, offer wines of remarkable character and depth. Among these, the Blason d'Aussières stands out as a superb example, crafted with meticulous care by the esteemed Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). This wine is not merely a drink; it is an experience, reflecting the unique terroir and the dedicated pursuit of excellence that defines its origin.

The Esteemed Producer: Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) at Aussières

The story of Blason d'Aussières begins with a significant investment and vision. In 1999, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) acquired the sprawling 550-hectare estate of Aussières. What followed was a vast and ambitious rehabilitation project, transforming the historical property into a beacon of modern winemaking while respecting its rich heritage. To date, an impressive 167 hectares of vines have been meticulously replanted. The focus has been on carefully selected traditional Languedoc grape varieties, including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan, which form the heart of the Blason d'Aussières blend. These are complemented by smaller amounts of Cabernet, Merlot, and Chardonnay across the wider estate.

Simultaneously, the magnificent estate buildings underwent extensive restoration, breathing new life into the historic structures. A state-of-the-art winery was ingeniously installed within the venerable old cellars, perfectly situated at the core of the vineyard. The consistent quality and undeniable potential of the wines produced from 2003 onwards have firmly positioned Aussières as a leading force in the contemporary revival of the Languedoc wine region, showcasing its capability to produce wines of international calibre. The Blason d'Aussières, specifically, is crafted from vines grown on deeper soils, experiencing less water stress than other plots, which contributes to its fruitier and more approachable style, while still retaining complexity. It is made using traditional methods, with alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete tanks. A portion of the Carignan undergoes carbonic maceration, adding to its distinctive character.

A Sensory Exploration: The Blason d'Aussières Experience

The Blason d'Aussières greets the eye with a beautiful, deep, dark crimson colour, offering glints of violet that promise a wine of intensity and concentration.

On the nose, this wine presents a complex and inviting aromatic profile. Initial impressions are of a pure and sunny bouquet, laden with notes of ripe wild berries and blackberries, particularly blackcurrant and blueberry compote. As the wine opens up, subtle undertones of flint and graphite emerge, beautifully interwoven with the specific, enchanting scents of the garrigue – the aromatic scrubland that characterises the Languedoc landscape. Here, one can discern hints of thyme, rosemary, sage, and laurel, transporting you directly to the sun-baked hillsides. Further exploration reveals nuances of liquorice and eucalyptus, along with gentle toasted wood and sweet spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, a testament to its careful barrel ageing. Some vintages may also present a slight animalistic character, adding another layer of intrigue.

The palate of the Blason d'Aussières is equally captivating and generously structured. The attack is clean and well-balanced, immediately showcasing an abundance of fresh, juicy fruit, echoing the raspberries, black cherries, and blueberries perceived on the nose. There is a lovely freshness throughout the palate, with notes of mentholated vervain further enhancing this vibrant quality. The high proportion of Syrah contributes a delightful spiciness, accompanied by concentrated fruit and a liquorice-edged finish. The wine boasts a fleshy body with a supple structure, supported by plump, fine-grained tannins that are already beautifully integrated. These elegant tannins lend the wine a perfectly balanced structure, offering a silky texture that is both prominent enough to suggest ageing potential and yet entirely approachable in its youth. The finish is long and persistent, leaving a pleasant sensation of freshness and lingering notes of classic spicy black fruit.

Serving Perfection: Enhancing Your Enjoyment

To fully appreciate the multifaceted character of the Blason d'Aussières, it is highly recommended to decant the wine for approximately one hour before serving. This allows the wine to breathe, softening the tannins further and allowing its aromatic complexities to fully unfurl. Serve this magnificent red at a temperature between 16-18°C (60-64°F) in generous wine glasses, which will help to capture its intricate bouquet.

Culinary Harmony: Detailed Food Matches

The Blason d'Aussières is a versatile wine that can elevate a wide range of dishes, particularly those featuring robust flavours. Its structure and aromatic depth make it an ideal companion for hearty and savoury meals.

For meat lovers, this wine is a superb match for grilled or roasted meats. Consider serving it with a succulent roasted leg of lamb adorned with rosemary and garlic, or a perfectly grilled sirloin steak. It also pairs exceptionally well with game dishes, such as tender venison stew or roasted pheasant, where its depth can stand up to the richer flavours. Traditional French beef dishes, like a slow-cooked beef bourguignon, would find a wonderful complement in this wine, as would a delicate ossobuco.

Beyond red meats, the Blason d'Aussières can beautifully accompany richer poultry dishes, such as roasted duck breast with a cherry reduction, or even a hearty shepherd's pie. For a more rustic pairing, consider a classic sausage and lentil casserole, where the wine’s fruit and spice notes will harmonise with the savoury elements.

Vegetarian diners need not miss out on the pleasure of pairing with this wine. The Blason d'Aussières is an excellent partner for rich, earthy vegetarian dishes. Think of a comforting mushroom risotto, where the umami notes of the mushrooms will be beautifully enhanced by the wine's fruit and earthy undertones. A vibrant ratatouille, with its medley of Mediterranean vegetables and herbs, would also provide a delightful contrast and complement. Dishes featuring roasted root vegetables, such as caramelised carrots and parsnips with thyme, would also create a pleasing synergy.

The Perfect Cheese Companion

As a fine French red wine, the Blason d'Aussières truly sings when paired with the right cheese. Given its robust structure and notes of black fruit, spice, and garrigue, it is particularly well-suited to hard, mature cheeses. A good quality mature Cheddar from the West Country, with its sharp and nutty profile, would be an exceptional pairing, as its intensity can stand up to the wine's character. Other excellent choices include a well-aged Comte or a firm, nutty Gruyère. These cheeses offer a savoury counterpoint to the wine’s fruitiness and can bring out its earthy and mineral notes, creating a truly memorable experience on the cheeseboard. The rich, slightly salty nature of these cheeses will beautifully complement the wine’s integrated tannins, making for a harmonious and satisfying conclusion to any meal.