Wines Languedoc Château Ollieux - Romanis, Corbières - Cuvée Prestige - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château Ollieux Romanis’ Cuvée Prestige 2020 from Languedoc AOC is a red wine that embodies the full character and generosity of its southern French origins. Crafted from a blend of local grape varieties—typically Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre—this cuvée speaks of ripe, sun-drenched fruit and the Mediterranean garrigue. The 2020 vintage benefited from a warm growing season, resulting in optimal ripeness and a lush, vibrant profile. The wine is aged in a combination of vats and, occasionally, oak barrels, aiming to preserve freshness while integrating subtle spicy and toasty notes. Expect a nose redolent of blackberries, cherries, liquorice and aromatic herbs, with a palate that balances supple tannins, ample fruit and a lingering, spicy finish.

The Languedoc region is famed for its diversity and dynamism, producing excellent value wines with unmistakable regional character. Nestled between the rugged Corbières hills and the Mediterranean Sea, the vineyards of Château Ollieux Romanis enjoy hot, dry summers and mild winters. The soils are typically a mix of limestone, marl and clay, providing excellent drainage and imparting complexity and minerality to the wines. Viticulture in Languedoc dates back to Roman times, and today the area is a leader in modern, quality-driven wine production, combining respect for tradition with a spirit of innovation.

A generous, robust red such as this Cuvée Prestige pairs beautifully with hearty fare. Classic pairings would include grilled lamb with herbs de Provence, confit duck, or a cassoulet—a regional specialty of Languedoc. It also complements Mediterranean vegetable dishes, roasted game, or hard cheeses like Comté or Tomme de Brebis.

For best enjoyment, decant the wine for about 30 minutes to allow the aromas to fully express themselves. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to fully appreciate the bouquet, fruit and texture. This wine can be enjoyed now for its vivid fruit, but will reward a few more years in the cellar, developing further complexity and softness.