Montsablé, Reserve Chardonnay, IGP Haute Vallée de L'Aude, France, 2024

Producer Profile

The wines of Terres Fidèles are designed to express the spirit of this extraordinary place – old-vine Grenache, Carignan, Malbec, Cinsault, Viognier and more.

All are authentically crafted, small-batch wines of the wilds. As Fergal Tynan MW, founder, explains: “Over the last two decades, we’ve been creating wines in the wilds of south-western France – embarking on adventures; exploring, discovering and rediscovering remarkable places and vineyard sites. From the foothills and valleys beneath the iconic Pyrenees, out through the gorges to the coastal areas of the Mediterranean, we’ve journeyed with our friends – exceptional growers who excel at their craft and have an inherent respect for the land that they and theirs are a part of. It is these people and places that inspire our winemaking.”

Viticulture

Montsablé Réserve represents the finest expression of the Haute Vallée de l’Aude, a distinguished terroir renowned for producing some of the freshest and most elegant wines in southern France. As the coolest of the Mediterranean wine regions, thanks to its elevated vineyards and the cooling influence of the Atlantic-born Vent Cers, the area offers ideal conditions for cultivating exceptional Chardonnay. Altitude, climate and limestone-rich soils combine to produce fruit of remarkable purity and finesse. Carefully selected vineyard parcels within the Haute Vallée benefit from a long, slow ripening season, preserving natural acidity while enhancing aromatic complexity. The vines, aged between 20 and 30 years, are rooted in argilo-calcaire soils, bringing depth, minerality and refinement to the finished wine.

Winemaking

The wine is left on its lees to add complexity of flavour, texture and weight whilst retaining refreshing ripe fruit character. Critically, 30% of the wine is aged in French wood for 6 months adding further creamy complexity.

Tasting Note

The floral aromas and white peach flavours are complemented by vanilla, toasty notes, a lovely creamy texture and mineral tones through to a classy finish.

Food matching

Ideal with richly flavoured fish dishes, langoustines, lobster, trout or salmon, rich enough to handle creamy sauces.