Aigle Royal Chardonnay by Domaine de l'Aigle

Structure

Bodymedium

Tanninlow

Aciditymedium

Sweetnessdry

Finishlong

Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Best 3 to 12 years from vintage.

vintage3 yrs12 yrs14 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 in the header is our own.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

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 · visiting guide
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.

Taste it where it is made: tours and tastings in Languedoc

Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour

Day trip3h 30m4.9 from 78 reviewsfrom €85

In a typically Mediterranean landscape, discover two of the region’s greatest treasures on this unforgettable half-day experience combining fine wines, fresh oysters, ...

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