A Sunny Al Fresco Lunch in Roussillon with Domaine d’Aussières Chardonnay 2018 and Creamy Crab Quiche

Of late, the most reasonable manner of travel to an intriguing country is with a delicious glass of wine in hand. Whether that wine evokes memories of a long ago visit to your favorite region or inspires you to plan a journey to somewhere new, each sip is an exquisite passport. This month, the #Winophiles, a group of writers who crave all things French, are virtually visiting the region of Roussillon located in the department of the Pyrénées-Orientales in the southwest corner of France.

We’ve opened our minds and palates and are ready to share our discoveries, specifically of the white wines of the region with an array of articles (see below). Now, travel with me to a bistro in Roussillon where a glass of Domaine d’Aussières Chardonnay 2018 (sent as a sample) and lunch of Creamy Crab Quiche await. But first…

Roussillon

Roussillon is a region where the sea and mountains blend, a place where an ideal Mediterranean climate of hot summers, mild winters and autumns is evident, and a terroir is so varied that its wines reflect distinct personalities.

With its amphitheatre like configuration, Roussillon is open to the Mediterranean Sea to the east and embraced by three massifs: Corbiéres to the North, the Pyrénées to the West, and the Alberes to the South.  Nestled between its three rivers, the Agly, the Tet and the Tech, is its landscape of unique terroir. It’s been said that Roussillon is not just vine and wine, it’s culture and discovery.

Numerous geological structures and microclimates are present. From red soils on compact limestone, to stone soils on high terraces, to sandy, stony soils of the foothills, to hydromorphic soils of the basins (and more!), twenty-six grape varieties thrive.  The sun shines approximately 316 days per year and the average temperature is 59 degrees Fahrenheit; the region is the driest and sunniest in all of France. Roussillon is protected against pests and diseases, thanks to numerous and frequent winds.

Family businesses on small, owner managed farms are responsible for viticulture in Roussillon. The small community of 2535 winemaker families, 29 cooperative cellars and 362 private cellars are the 9th largest producers of wine in France. A source of pride is that the region is ranked highest in France for its efforts in organic and biodynamic viticulture.

The Wines of Roussillon

Roussillon represents only 2% of France’s dry, still wine production by volume. 80% of its production is Vin Doux Naturels (VDN), fortified sweet wines. Wines exported from Roussillon to the United States have increased by 117% since 2010. In a competitive market, that’s a statistic of which everyone in the region is proud.

The AOC certified dry wines are Collioure (white, rosé, and red), Côtes du Roussillon (red only), Côtes du Roussillon les Aspres (red only), and Côtes du Roussillon Villages (red only), from which stem four specific productions identified by the name of the town: Caramany, Latour-de-France, Lesquerde, and Tautavel. The AOC certified Vins Doux Naturels are from Rivesaltes, Maury, Banyuls, Banyuls Grand Cru, and Muscat de Rivesaltes.

Varieties cultivated include the white grapes of Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Macabeu, Marsanne, Muscat d’Alexandrie, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, and Viognier. Reds found in the region are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Marselan, Merlot, Mourvedre, Syrah, and a few lesser known varieties.

Domaine d’Aussières Chardonnay 2018 and Creamy Crab Quiche

Let’s take a look at one of the white varieties, Chardonnay, cultivated in Roussillon. As you may expect, the 1359 acres at Domaine d’Aussières boast a stunning geographical location. “It’s one of those wild, natural places that gives an impression of great force and beauty,” stated Baron Eric de Rothschild who was mesmerized by the landscape. Now, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) is revitalizing the estate and Saskia, Eric’s daughter, continues the process. 412 acres of vines have been replanted with traditional varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan, Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay.

The Domaine d’Aussières Chardonnay 2018 ($13) was a rich and full expression of the variety grown in Roussillon. On the nose I discovered notes of lemon grass, stone fruit, bright golden apple, hint of pink grapefruit, almond blossom and lime zest. The round, creamy palate offered flavors of juicy citrus, spice, and crème fraiche. Lifted by vibrant acidity, the finish lingered.

Chardonnay from Roussillon is an affordable and delectable pairing with any white meat, quiche, shellfish, oysters, mussels or your choice of fresh caught seafood. Add a light green salad and warm crusty French bread and lunch is served. I chose to make a creamy crab quiche (click here for the recipe) to enjoy with a glass of Domaine d’Aussières Chardonnay 2018 and friends with whom a trip to Roussillon is clearly in the works.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

You’d like more Grape Experiences? Please click here. 

Enjoy the inspiring articles about the white wines of Roussillon from my #Winophiles colleagues.

Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Camilla tells us about “A Summer Pairing: Salade Niçoise + Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc 2017“.

Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm pairs “American Bay Scallops with French Roussillon Blanc”.

Jeff from foodwineclick presents “Banyuls Pet-Nat with Treats à La Buvette”.

Allison and Chris from ADVineTURES discuss “Domaine Lafage Cuvée Centenaire: The Essence of Rousillon”.

Melanie at Wining With Mel tells us about her “Adventures in Roussillon white wines” #Winophiles.

Linda from My Full Wine Glass explains “A Roussillon blanc turns my thoughts toward chicken”.

Gwendolyn at Wine Preditor is on the prowl for Roussillon White Wines.

Robin at Crushed Grape Chronicles talks about “Snow capped Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea – exploring the stunning and diverse Roussillon wine region”.

Cathie from Side Hustle Wino shares “Why You Will Love the White Wines of Roussillon“.

Lauren at The Swirling Dervish blog tells us about “Biodynamics and the Butterfly Effect: A Labor of Love in Roussillon”.

Susannah from Avvinare shares “Muscat de Rivesaltes – A Marvel from Roussillon”.

Payal at Keep the Peas whips up “Northern Thai Food and a Roussillon Muscat”.

Katarina from Corkscrew Concierge “An Exploration of Roussillon White Wines”.

Terri from Our Good Life tells us about “Summer Love and White Wines from Roussillon”.

Lynn at Savor the Harvest shares “Distinctive Roussillon White Wines for your Buy List”.