Between Tavel and Lirac
Go through the main gate and follow the dirt path. Here two appellations reflect each other! Château d’Aqueria has quite an extraordinary feature: it stands between Tavel and Lirac. Two growths of three colours which are proudly produced at the domain.
In 1936, when the first Appellations of Controlled Origin were established, Tavel was the first rosé in France to be classified. Since then, it has become an iconic gastronomic rosé and today it is THE rosé of ‘terroir’.
The Lirac appellation lies on the right bank of the Rhône. A true jewel of the Southern Côtes du Rhône it has been producing hugely expressive wines since ancient times.
With its Mediterranean climate, Aqueria’s vineyards produce unique wines with a character and elegance which provoke intense and authentic emotions.
Aqueria’s Vineyards
From the Château’s terrace nearly 100 hectares stretch as far as the eye can see. Two thirds are vineyards in the Tavel and Lirac appellations and the remainder is woodland and garrique.
Aqueria’s vineyards are planted with a large pallet of grape varieties which enables the production of extremely complex wines as well as the preserving the biodiversity of the environment.
Château d’Aqueria Tavel is made mainly from Grenache, Syrah, Clairette and Mourvèdre, with Cinsault and Bourboulenc completing this harmonious blend of varieties.
The Lirac red wines are dominated by Grenache bolstered up by Syrah and Mourvèdre with a touch of Cinsault.
The Lirac whites are made from Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Roussanne and Viognier which each play their part to add to the complexity of these precious wines.
Aqueria’s Terroirs
Château d’Aqueria has three different terroirs within a single holding.
Around the Château, light sandy clay soils are ideal for producing the domain’s best rosés with fruity complex characteristics.
To the north east of the Château, the terraced land is clay-based with lots of round pebbles originating from the formation of the Rhône. This produces deep red, fresh and complex red wines.
To the east of the Château, the calcareous soils promote the production of multi-layered, fruity white wines.
Cultivation for Future Generations
Nature is a nurturing mother. She gives life and nourishes the grapes. In return, the winegrower has a responsibility to work with her with respect and humility in order to conserve this legacy and pass it on to future generations.
The team at Château d’Aqueria has been practising sustainable viticulture for many years now. Deeply attached to showcasing it terroirs, it is committed today to evolving its farming methods towards organic production. This new stage highlights the common ambition to achieve levels of excellence to take the Tavel and Lirac wines to the highest level possible.
