"Luminary Château Martinolles Old Vines Chardonnay: A Spectacular Display, Nestled in the Limoux PDO Territory"
Nestled in the Upper Valley of the Aude, the AOP Limoux is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in southern France, having earned recognition as early as 1531. The monks of the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, near Château Martinolles, are credited with creating France's first sparkling wine in this historic region.
Before Dom Pérignon made a splash, the effervescent wine was born in Limoux, a landscape sculpted by Cathar influences, a volatile climate, and diverse soils. Today, Limoux stands out for its premium white wines, predominantly made from Chardonnay, a grape variety that thrives in the high-altitude terroirs which range from 200 to 300 meters. The Mediterranean climate with strong oceanic influences offers a unique freshness that, combined with the fertile soil, gives the wines a remarkable structure and impressive aging potential.
In this privileged setting, Château Martinolles produces its Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes, sourced from vines that are 20 to 30 years old and sustainably cultivated using Terra Vitis methods. Each batch undergoes a painstaking process, involving hand-harvesting, slow fermentation at low temperatures in oak barrels, partial malolactic fermentation, and aging in a mix of French and American oak barrels.
The result is a vintage that captivates with its golden hue, inviting aromas of brioche, dried fruits, pineapple, quince, and linden, and a rich yet taut palate. This exceptional white wine pairs beautifully with fish dishes, poultry, mushrooms, and various cheeses, while also boasting an aging potential worthy of the finest crus.
In July and August 2025, travelers aboard Air France's long-haul flights will have an opportunity to savor this remarkable vintage.
For more information about Château Martinolles, visit martinolles.com. Interested travelers may also wish to explore Toulouse or discover France through booked flights.
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- During Air France's long-haul flights in July and August 2025, travelers can savor the golden-hued Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes from Château Martinolles, a vintage that pairs beautifully with a variety of global cuisines like fish dishes, poultry, mushrooms, and cheeses.
- Part of the allure of visiting Château Martinolles in the AOP Limoux region is not just the opportunity to tour the estate and learn about the sustainable Terra Vitis methods used in vine cultivation, but also to indulge in cooking classes, showcasing the local French cuisine and global cuisines, making it an appealing lifestyle choice for food-and-drink enthusiasts.
- Aboard Air France's in-flights, people can experience the remarkable aging potential of Château Martinolles' Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes, which comes from vines that range from 200 to 300 meters above sea level, a testament to the unique terroir and diverse growing conditions that make Limoux one of the oldest and most prestigious wine regions in southern France.
