Thursday, February 9th, 2012
WINE ESTATE
Château d’Aquéria
LIRAC & TAVEL
Route de Pujaut
30126 Tavel
04 66 50 04 56
www.aqueria.com
Standing on high ground behind stately gates not far from A9 motorway exit 22 (Roquemaure), Château d’Aquéria is well worth visiting for a rewarding introduction to the white and red wines of Lirac as well as the rosé of Tavel.
Although the house was built in the 18th century (in neo-classical style with a beautiful formal garden), the first vines were planted here by Louis Joseph d’Aquéria as early as 1595. The estate was bought in 1920 by the grandfather of the two brothers representing the current generation of owners, Bruno and Vincent de Bez (seen above with lemons brightening a still-wintry vineyard scene). It is large by local standards – 66 hectares, 45 of which are in one block beside the house.
Through glass doors in an attractive tasting room, you’ll glimpse an immaculately maintained cellar. The de Bez approach is fastidious – serious, indeed. Time permitting, Vincent de Bez enjoys discussing the finer points of winemaking with visitors. The Tavel is excellent and the red Lirac, matured in a combination of large old foudres and newer, smaller barriques, is even better – refined, elegant and ageworthy.
