By Aimery
Cremant de Limoux Brut NV

The First Sparkling Wine
In 1531, one century before Dom Perignon, wines from Limoux stepped onto the world stage. Benedictine nuns from Saint Hilaire Abbey, a neighboring village, had created the first sparkling wine in the world: la Blanquette de Limoux.

Terroir
Our terroir, characterized by Mediterranean sunshine and moderated by the altitude and temperate climate due to the oceanic influence, made conditions ideally suited for the slow ripening of the grapes, reaching a harmonious balance between minerality and freshness. Extremely strict terroir-based selection and choice of plots, state-of-the-art vinification techniques, and investment in human terms have made Limoux wines one of the most renowned AOC wines in the world. Control of each aspect of the terroir is monitored, including climate, altitude, slope, topography, soil type, and rootstock. Monitoring of the vine has enabled us to adopt the finest grape varieties and the best growing practices to the geo-climatic characteristics of each vineyard plot.

Sustainable Development
After many years of effort, the growers were awarded the 2009 Growers in Sustainable Development certification.

Vinification
Traditional method (Methode Champenoise). Chardonnay, Chenin, and Pinot Noir exclusively hand-picked. Second fermentation, the prise de mousse takes place slowly in the bottle, under ideal conditions (12 degrees C), favoring slow fermentation and enhancing the delicacy, both in terms of aromas and bubbles. Aging on laths for second fermentation lasting 15 months.

Tasting
The wine has a pale yellow robe with green highlights and delicate, long-lasting bubbles. A fresh nose with notes of white flowers, acacia, pear, and peach, followed by toasted brioche and fresh butter aromas, creates a harmonious bouquet. A lively attack and unctuous palate provide an overall subtle elegance.
[Information provided by Olivier Nouet]