Le Carignan by Domaine d'Aupilhac

Structure

Bodymedium

Tanninfirm

Aciditymedium

Sweetnessdry

Finishlong

Oakbarrel aged

Drinking window

Best 3 to 15 years from vintage.

vintage3 yrs15 yrs17 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating above is our own.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedFirm tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: black fruit, liquorice, smoke, garrigue

Palate: blackberry, liquorice, tar, wild herbs

Pure old-vine Carignan from Aupilhac; slightly smoky with aromas of black fruit and liquorice. A reference for the variety in the Languedoc.

What it pairs with

Saucisson sec Carignan's wild-herb register and tar notes pair classically with Languedoc charcuterie.More wines for sausages →
Cassoulet Local Carignan and local stew is the canonical Languedoc match.More wines for pork →
Grilled merguez sausage Carignan's structure carries the chilli-spiced sausage.More wines for sausages →

History

Le Carignan was an early cuvée of Aupilhac, bottled as Vin de France because varietal-monocepage Carignan was excluded from the local AOC rules. The wine helped argue for Carignan's quality status in the modern Languedoc movement.

1989First vintage of Le Carignan
2010Estate Demeter-certified biodynamic

Facts

Producer: Domaine d'Aupilhac · visiting guide
Grapes: Carignan (100%)
Classification: Vin de France
Oak: 12 months in older barriques
ABV: 13.5%
Price: EUR 22-32 at retail
Drinking window: 3-15 from vintage
First vintage: 1989
Biodynamic: Demeter Certified
Organic: ECOCERT
Vegan: Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Le Carignan

What does Aupilhac Le Carignan taste like?

Black fruit, liquorice, smoke and garrigue on the nose; blackberry, liquorice, tar and wild herbs on the palate. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a long finish.

When should I drink Aupilhac Le Carignan?

Drink between 3 and 15 years from vintage. Carignan rewards bottle age: top vintages can hit a savoury sweet spot at 8-12 years.

What grapes are in Aupilhac Le Carignan?

One hundred percent old-vine Carignan from the Aupilhac vineyard. Labelled Vin de France because the local AOC excludes single-varietal Carignan.

What food pairs with Aupilhac Le Carignan?

Saucisson sec is the canonical pairing; Carignan's wild-herb register matches Languedoc charcuterie. Cassoulet and grilled merguez are equally strong matches.