Solas Albarino

An elegant French version of the fashionable Spanish grape.

Albarino was first brought to the Galicia region of Spain by the French monks from Cluny along the fabled route de Santiago de Compostela many centuries ago. Laurent Miquel’s pioneering adventure to repatriate the mythical Albarino grapes to France demonstrates his great imagination.

Laurent Miquel purchased a new estate in the hills above Largesse, in Corbières, in 2009 and realised that he had a wonderful terroir for white wine, and so after his success with Viognier, he planted Albarino. Limestone soils coupled with a uniquely cool microclimate and access to water seemed the perfect place for the project.

He now has 25 hectares in production and is making two cuvées; Solas is the lighter – softer with less acidity and lightly peachy fruit.

The wine is made after night time harvesting, must clarification at low temperature, fermentation at 16-17°C, matured on lees in stainless steel tanks with fining and light filtration before bottling.

Grape Varieties:
Albarino
Alcohol/VOL:
13.0%
Vintage:
2019
Tasting Notes:

Crisp citrus, grapefruit, character backed with plenty of floral notes, stone fruit and green apples. The palate has plenty of zing with a mouth-watering lime finish.

An ideal aperitif, with oysters or Asian cuisine.

Other:
Organic Practices , Vegan , Vegetarian

About the Producer

Laurent Miquel

Laurent Miquel is a family-run estate based at Château Cazal Viel in Saint Chinian, originally acquired in 1791, which had previously been farmed by the monks of the nearby Abbey of Fontcaude. They also have another property, Château Les Auzines in Corbières.

Their drive towards quality began in the 1970s. Henri Miquel planted
many new Syrah vines and rejuvenated old ones. Earning himself the title of “Mr Syrah” he delivered his first solo vintage in 1980. In 1996 Henri was joined by his son Laurent, the 8th generation winemaker, as the first plantings of the Viognier vines began to show great promise.

Their wines have been highly praised by Tim Atkin and Jancis Robinson being from “the most reliable and forward looking winery in the Languedoc”.

Regions

View Languedoc