2024 Domaine Astruc Chardonnay Limoux Réserve

Jean Astruc, a coachman in Limoux, had a dream: his own wine estate. This dream became a reality in 1862 with the acquisition of 12 hectares of vineyard in Malras. His son, Jean Astruc, shared the same ideal and, despite the economic crisis and his departure for the battlefields of the First World War, continued to acquire land. In the 1950s, his son, Pierre, inherited Domaine Astruc. It then encompassed over 30 hectares of vineyard and the means to farm it. In 1977, after completing his studies, Pierre's son, Jacques Astruc, returned to Malras to continue developing Domaine Astruc with his father. Since then, Domaine Astruc has continued to grow and has evolved into a modern winery. In 2003, Jean-Claude Mas came into the picture: owner and winemaker of Les Domaines Paul Mas, a successful and independent family business in Pézenas, also in the Languedoc region. He had a long-standing partnership with Astruc—the primary source of their Vin de Pays wines—and decided to purchase the Domaine. The d'A range is the first fruit of this acquisition.

Domaines Paul Mas was founded in 1892. The current owner, Jean-Claude Mas, is undoubtedly the pioneer in the Languedoc's revival as a region for quality wines. Jean-Claude characterizes his wines as "Le Luxe Rural," or rural luxury. Using international grape varieties, he has given the Languedoc a "New World" allure. And with his fashionable wines made from local grapes, he has made the Languedoc's local character fashionable again among wine lovers. Hubrecht Duijker rightly calls Jean-Claude Mas a "wine wizard," and at Grandcruwijnen, we are the only winery in the Netherlands to also carry Paul Mas's high-end Grandcrus .

The oak-aged Chardonnay comes from various vineyards located in the Limoux appellation in the Languedoc region. A Mediterranean climate prevails here, but the Atlantic Ocean provides the necessary cooling. After harvest, the grapes are pressed, avoiding contact with the skins. The juice is cold-fermented in oak barrels. A portion of the wine (60%) undergoes malolactic fermentation to soften the sharp acidity and round out the wine's flavor. The wine is then aged for nine months in 50% French and 50% American oak. A third of the barrels are new.

In the glass, the wine has a light golden yellow color. On the nose, we smell tropical fruit, white flowers, and notes of butter and vanilla. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, soft wine with a beautiful balance between tropical fruit, acidity, and light oak. Because it's not exclusively made with new oak, this wine retains its elegance and freshness. Delicious with a shellfish risotto or sole. Also delicious with wild mushroom soup, or oven-roasted chicken and truffle mashed potatoes.

FACT: In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount . You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.