In the glass
Aroma: pineapple, vine peach, apricot, almond, white flowers, toasted notes
Palate: yellow apple, creamy mid-palate, saline lift, long mineral finish
Domaine de l'Aigle's flagship Chardonnay from the highest south-facing clay-limestone parcel. Decanter-rated as one to watch among biodynamic Chardonnays.
What it pairs with
-
Roast chicken with truffle butter
Toasted notes and creamy mid-palate meet truffle and brown butter. -
Lobster with beurre blanc
Body and saline lift handle lobster and butter sauce. -
Aged Comté
Almond and yellow apple find harmony with mature Comté's nutty crystals.
How to serve Aigle Royal Chardonnay
Allow 30 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and aerate. Open 30 minutes before serving; a brief carafe lets the toasted notes and stone fruit aromatics emerge.
- Serve at 12-14°C. Cellar temperature on the warm side of white wine. Colder shuts down the almond and yellow apple register.
- Glassware. Use a large Burgundy-style bowl - the Aigle Royal rewards the wider bowl, similar to a top Côte de Beaune Chardonnay.
- Pair with the food. Roast chicken with truffle butter, lobster with beurre blanc, or aged Comté. The wine wants rich, savoury food rather than light shellfish.
History
Domaine de l'Aigle is a 47-hectare estate at the foot of the Roquetaillade cliff where Bonelli's eagles nest. Acquired by Gérard Bertrand in 2007 from Antonin Rodet; one of his 11 biodynamic estates. Aigle Royal is the highest-altitude Chardonnay parcel.
- 2007 — Gérard Bertrand acquires Domaine de l'Aigle from Antonin Rodet
- 2009 — First Aigle Royal Chardonnay released from highest south-facing parcel
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine de l'Aigle
- Grapes
- Chardonnay (100%)
- Classification
- AOC Limoux
- Oak
- Aged in French oak; partial new wood
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- €30-50 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2009
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Aigle Royal Chardonnay
What does Aigle Royal Chardonnay taste like?
Pineapple, vine peach, apricot, almond, white flowers and toasted notes on the nose; yellow apple, creamy mid-palate, saline lift and a long mineral finish on the palate. Medium-bodied.
When should I drink Aigle Royal Chardonnay?
Drink between 3 and 12 years from vintage at 12-14 degrees Celsius. The biodynamic Chardonnay rewards bottle ageing.
What food pairs with Aigle Royal Chardonnay?
Roast chicken with truffle butter is the canonical match; lobster with beurre blanc and aged Comté also work well.
Where is Aigle Royal Chardonnay made?
From the highest south-facing Chardonnay parcel of Domaine de l'Aigle, on clay-limestone at the foot of the Roquetaillade cliff.