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L’ARAMON These very old vines of a local forgotten variety called Aramon are grows on the 1st geological terrace of the foothills of the Larzac plateau, the historic heart of Languedoc ! Soil: rounded stones and gravel with some red clays. Grape: 100 % Aramon old vines (90 years old). Harvest: hand picking with systematic hand selection. Production: 40 to 45 hl/ha on average. Vinification: one week of cold skin-contact maceration, spontaneous alcoholic fermentation with native yeasts then spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Maturation: a few months ageing in tanks. Natural decanting thanks to cold winter temperatures. Bottling : at the wine estate, without fining
Eye: a light colour with cherry hints Nose: mainly offering aromas of red berries and peony Palate: it tastes fresh, light, fruity and is easy to drink thanks to few tannins, low alcohol and aromas of pepper, peony and gooseberry... Ageing Capacity: to be enjoyed while it is young but could be kept 2 to 3 years. Serving Temperature: slightly chilled (14-16°C / 57-60°F)
L’Aramon : An age-old variety almost forgotten Nowadays, who still happens to know « Aramon » ? Not many people ! Even though it was grown over more than 150.000 hectares at the end of World War II, there remains only one hundredth of that surface today. Several signs testify to its age-old setting up in Languedoc, including the numerous names that the inhabitants have had time to give it as well as the village in the Gard area that bears its name. An additional sign is that, on top of Black Aramon, there exist extremely rare variations in pink and white. It has become poorly thought of, however… It is difficult today to conceive of yields up to 250 hl per ha. This was the usual yield though for Aramon when it grew in plains. This high potential yield ensured its being popular when mass consumption was the order of the day. To such an extent that it has become synonymous with quantity to the detriment of quality. So when the market turned towards quality wines, its glory faded and the vines of Aramon were massively uprooted. That trend somehow overlooked the fact that on hillsides and with limited yields, Aramon can produce wines that are indeed interesting. An original cuvée to rediscover Aramon At domaine La Croix Chaptal, we have kept safe our hillside plot of Aramon which is now 80 years old. Needless to say that the ardour of youth has had time to calm down ! With a yield of around 50 Hl per ha, we obtain a wine which keeps the light side of the variety, i.e slightly coloured and with low tannins, while asserting a sharp, fruity and voluptuous character. It is ideal to rediscover this variety. In keeping with current concerns Further advantage : Aramon corresponds to current expectations. As it is naturally light in alcohol, it is an original partner for meals particularly in summer. Moreover, this age-old variety which has become rare keeps watch over biodiversity. As it is well-adapted to the terroir, it is sturdy and little demanding. Finally, old vines which have been producing grapes for 80 years save the environment the ecological cost of uprooting and planting again.
Charles-Walter PACAUD Artisan-Vigneron
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