2024 Domaine Dusseau Chardonnnay Reserve Barrel Aged

When it comes to value for money, Domaine Dusseau is hard to beat. The Reserve series (Barrel Aged), in particular, produces fantastic wines at a very reasonable price. Located in southern France, Domaine Dusseau boasts vineyards spread across various regions in the Pays d'Oc, each with its own distinctive climate. While the majority of the grapes are destined for bulk wines, a limited portion, and then the best fruit, is destined for bottling, where quality is paramount.

Thanks to its large area of own vineyards, Domaine Dusseau has the opportunity to always select the best grapes from the best plots for the wines under its own label.

The Domaine Dusseau vineyards around Limoux are located in three climatically distinct regions:
- West of Limoux is the 'Terroir Océanique' with wines dominated by acidity.
- To the northeast the 'Terroir Méditerranéen' with full-bodied wines.
- To the south is the 'Terroir Haute Vallée' where the wines clearly have more minerality.

This variation in terroirs allows for consistent quality by adjusting the proportions in each blend to reflect the characteristics of each vintage. In cool years, the percentage of "Méditerranéen" can be increased, while in warm years, more freshness can be brought to the wine by increasing the proportion of "Océanique." The grapes for the Dusseau Reserve Barrel Aged Chardonnay are pressed in a pneumatic press after harvest, and vinification takes place in steel vats under fully controlled temperature and in contact with the skins. This Reserve Chardonnay is aged in French oak for nine months. This Reserve Chardonnay has a beautiful golden yellow color with notes of citrus and vanilla on the nose. The rich and lingering palate reveals ripe apricot, citrus, and vanilla with a creamy finish.