Viniou Reviews
Château Ollieux Romanis, Cuvée Aristide 2022, hails from the esteemed Corbières-Boutenac AOC in Languedoc, France, and stands as a fine example of the region’s red blends. This wine typically brings together a harmonious mix of traditional southern French red varietals—often including Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah—though the exact blend for this cuvée is not specified. The 2022 vintage offers vibrant youthful energy, displaying a deep ruby colour and enticing aromas of ripe black fruits, wild herbs (garrigue), and subtle spice. Château Ollieux Romanis employs organic vineyard management, embracing sustainable practices and a respect for the natural terroir. Classic vinification techniques are used to preserve freshness and the authentic expression of the grapes and their sun-drenched terroir.
Corbières-Boutenac is one of the most prized subzones within Languedoc, boasting a unique landscape where sun, wind, and schist-clay soils provide ideal growing conditions for robust, complex reds. The Mediterranean climate ensures long, hot summers balanced by cooling winds like the Cers, contributing to the grapes’ full ripeness and concentration while maintaining freshness. Vineyards here benefit from a rich winemaking heritage dating back to Roman times, with a tradition rooted in blending and a reputation for producing powerful yet elegant wines.
This wine’s strong aromatic profile and fleshy texture make it a wonderful partner for hearty Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy it alongside dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shank with rosemary, cassoulet—a regional classic of duck, sausage, and beans—or grilled beef with ratatouille. For vegetarian options, try it with Provencal vegetable tian or a rich lentil stew featuring sun-dried tomatoes and black olives, both of which complement the wine’s savouriness and herbal nuances.
For the ideal tasting experience, decant the wine for about an hour to let its bouquet fully unfold. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to highlight its vibrant red fruit, balanced tannins, and the signature spicy, herbal notes of the Corbières terroir. This approach will ensure you appreciate both its youthful energy and its potential for elegant evolution over the coming years.
