2023 Domaine Altugnac Chardonnay Les Turitelles, IGP Pays d'Oc

The Domaine Altugnac Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay from almost all hand-harvested fruit. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks (goes through full malo) to preserve the freshness and varietal character of the wine. Even though the wines come from a warm region, Jean-Luc and Chrisitian do an exceptional job of retaining acidity, tension and vibrancy in this white wine. We’re not kidding when we say that this vintage in particular is Chablis-like in character. Light straw in color with aromas of lemon confit, white flowers, green apple, white peach, and yuzu. The palate is bright and refreshing, with more lemon confit and white peach notes all wrapped up in a mineral core that lead to a lifted finish.

Domaine Altugnac is based in the high-altitude western Limoux area of southern France and is part of the family-owned JeanJean group, which has invested heavily in cool-climate viticulture in the region. The estate farms vineyards in the Haute Vallée de l’Aude, where elevations of 300–500 meters, limestone-rich soils, and Atlantic and Pyrenean influences create conditions well suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Domaine Altugnac focuses on freshness, moderate alcohol, and varietal clarity rather than the warmer-climate style often associated with Pays d’Oc. Winemaking is precise and restrained, with careful extraction and measured use of oak, aiming to highlight site expression and natural acidity. The wines have become a reference point for cooler-climate expressions from southern France that sit stylistically closer to Limoux than to the Mediterranean lowlands.