Wines Languedoc Château Ollieux - Romanis, Corbières - Blanc Prestige - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Château Ollieux Romanis Blanc Prestige 2018 is a remarkable white blend from the Languedoc AOC, hailing from one of the subregion’s most highly regarded estates in Corbières. This cuvée typically showcases a harmonious fusion of Mediterranean white varietals such as Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and possibly Vermentino or Rolle, contributing to the wine’s expressive aromatic bouquet and ample, textured palate. The 2018 vintage benefited from a warm, dry growing season, resulting in ripe, sun-kissed fruit with well-balanced acidity. Vinification is performed with great care, often involving gentle pressing and temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve primary fruit aromas and the mineral freshness inherent to these grapes.

Languedoc is among France’s most historic and diverse wine regions, stretching along the Mediterranean coast. With a distinctively warm, sunny Mediterranean climate and cooling maritime influences, the region encourages full ripening while maintaining vibrancy. The soils at Château Ollieux Romanis are rooted in clay-limestone with some sandstone, which imparts tension and finesse to the wine. The estate itself stands as a testament to a viticultural heritage that dates back centuries, a region once dedicated to producing quantity but now celebrated for its increasing devotion to quality and terroir expression.

Pairing this white Languedoc wine is a delightful endeavour. Its generous texture, notes of white peach, citrus zest, wild herbs, and a subtle saline minerality make it an ideal companion for seafood such as grilled sea bass with fennel, seared scallops with a lemon-butter sauce, or a Mediterranean-style poisson en papillote. Regional pairings might include brandade de morue, shellfish platters, or a classic salade de chèvre chaud, where the herbal undertones and smooth acidity complement the richness of cheese or fish.

For optimum enjoyment, serve this wine chilled at around 10-12°C. This temperature accentuates its aromatic complexity and crispness, while allowing its rounded mouthfeel to express itself on the palate. Decanting is seldom necessary; pour straight from a freshly opened bottle and savour the lively, sunlit character of this elegant southern white.