IGP Vicomté d’Aumelas | Languedoc-wines

Oh, what a great find !

Calling all history buffs, wine enthusiasts and lovers of beautiful scenery – it’s about time you shot off to explore an IGP that is still under the public’s radar.

Foundation

August 1

2009

Territory

villages

production

11 310 hL

producers

7 independents wineries,

4 co-operatives and

9 wine merchants.

colours

red

64%

rosé

25%

white

14%

Main grape varieties

authorized for the reds

Cabernet Sauvignon

Carignan

Grenache

Mourvedre

Syrah

Main grape varieties

authorized for the rosés

Mourvedre

Cinsault

Merlot

Grenache

Syrah

Main grape varieties

authorized for the whites

Chardonnay

Grenache blanc

Ugni Blanc

Viognier

terroir

Set between Montpellier and Béziers, North of Sète, IGP Vicomté d’Aumelas offers some impressive subject matter for budding geologists. From sandy-silt molasse, limestone sand and marl to sandstone and alluvium, summarising this mosaic of soil types is a pretty tall order! The same goes for elevations, and therefore for climates, with vines climbing up in tiers from 20 to 340 metres above sea level.

The red wines are well-structured, balanced, rounded and appetising – they show at their absolute best after a few years’ bottle age. The same pleasure can be had from exploring the engaging, fruity rosés and the whites, which can be fairly taut – making them the perfect companions for oysters from Thau Lagoon! – or more full-bodied with the ability to partner with fish dishes.

History

In the area surrounding Clermont-L’Hérault – the largest town at the core of the designation – you might stumble across a windmill, a chapel, a standing stone or even a castle built by the Guilhems, the lords of Montpellier, around a bend on the windy roads or paths. The ‘Vallée Dorée’ or golden valley, named as a nod to the locally produced white table grapes, is home to a rich and interesting heritage.