Viniou Reviews
Grand Blaquiere’s Cuvée 1ère Réserve Les Silex Fumés 2024 is a captivating white wine hailing from the historic Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert appellation in Languedoc. This cuvée, crafted from select parcels, takes its name from the siliceous soils (“silex”), which impart a distinctive mineral backbone and notable freshness. The blend, while not specified, typically gravitates towards varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc or Grenache Blanc in this region, sometimes blended with lesser-known local grapes to enhance complexity and aromatic lift. The 2024 vintage, marked by a mild winter and a warm, dry growing season, has encouraged optimal grape maturity, preserving vibrancy and nuanced aromatics. Vinification is carried out with precision to maintain freshness and purity, often favouring cold fermentation in stainless steel to preserve aromatic intensity, with occasional lees ageing for texture and finesse.
The Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert area, nestled in the foothills of the Hérault valley, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, sun-soaked days and cooling night breezes from the mountains. This diurnal shift is ideal for producing whites with both ripeness and balanced acidity. The soils, rich in silica and gravel, help regulate water and enhance mineral notes in the finished wine. This region, with its monastic heritage and ancient vineyards, has recently risen in prominence for expressive, terroir-driven wines that reflect both tradition and modernity in Languedoc’s vibrant tapestry.
For pairing, the crisp, mineral-driven style of Les Silex Fumés shines with grilled Mediterranean fish, fresh oysters, or shellfish, echoing the wine’s saline notes. For a local touch, consider pairing it alongside regional specialities like brandade de morue or a goat cheese salad with olives and fresh herbs. Its lively acidity and subtle smokiness also complement Asian dishes with ginger and lemongrass or a simple chicken with lemon and thyme.
For the best tasting experience, serve this white wine well-chilled at 8-10°C. Allow the wine a few moments in the glass to unfold its aromatic layers before enjoying its lingering, elegant finish.
