Website: http://domaineaymard.fr/
Domaine Aymard, which started bottling its own wine in 1979, was among the pioneering private cellars in Ventoux, a region previously dedicated entirely to negociants and cooperatives.
The journey started with Aymard farming table grapes, later transitioning to wine grapes. These were sold to the cooperative. It was the arising issues within the cooperative that pushed them towards independently bottling their wines.
The domaine now rests in the capable hands of two sisters, Anne-Laure and Carine Aymard. Their grandfather Denis, aided by his sons Jean-Marie and Michel, was the pioneer in wine bottling. In 2011, Anne-Laure joined the family business, followed by Carine in 2019. The sisters took over the reins in 2020.
Initiating changes and evolving with time, they worked more harmoniously with their vineyard, introducing diverse product lines. The most noteworthy among these was Les Grappes, a distinctly lighter red blend of just Grenache and Cinsault. Their father, initially skeptical, questioned their choices until a glowing review from Revue de Vins Français convinced him otherwise.
The domaine spans across 30 hectares of vines flourishing on clay/limestone soils.
Adorned with the verdant cover crops of oat, rye, pea, and fava bean, their vineyards are a joy to behold. The bountiful crops stand tall, mirroring the height of the grapevines. A section of the vineyard is currently being cleared for replanting, with plans of implementing agroforestry. This includes the plantation of pistachio and grenadier trees, alternating between rows of vines and trees, adding to the scenic splendor.
Domaine Aymard Intemporal Ventoux Blanc 2022
Boasts an alcohol content of 13%. The blend includes Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Rousanne, and a hint of Viognier. This wine brings forth a balanced blend of fresh textures and ample weight with time entwined flavors of pear and citrus. Enhancing its appeal is a touch of salinity and a rich mineral flavor creating a perfect balance and a refreshing finish. Rated 91/100, it offers immense value at just €7.80.
Domaine Aymard Intemporal Ventoux Blanc 2023
13% alcohol. It features a bright and focused taste with primary pear drop notes as well as lively citrus fruit. There is a hint of apricot richness and a pleasant brightness. Possessing good potential, this wine is primarily fruit-driven. Its rating stands at 90/100.
Domaine Aymard Élégance Ventoux Blanc 2022
Carrying 12.5% alcohol, this has the same blend but spends six months in oak barrels. The bright fruit flavor features lovely pear and citrus, but the slight spicy oak overlay acts as a bit of a distraction. This aspect leaves the wine somewhat angular. However, there is hope that this might settle down in time. This wine has been rated 86/100, and its price stands at €12.80.
Domaine Aymard Intemporal Ventoux Rosé 2023
Composed of Cinsault and Grenache with a bit of Syrah. The color is pale. The aroma is quite striking with bright red cherry and strawberry fruit as well as pear and citrus notes, and a slight creaminess. It carries nice precision with a good acid line, and its rank stands at 88/100.
Domaine Aymard Intemporal Ventoux Rouge 2022
13.5% alcohol. This is made from Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah. The taste is fresh, supple, and lively with nice bright cherries and plums, showing a stony, slightly peppery edge. Massive drinkability here with some juiciness on the finish. Rated as lovely, this wine secures a rating of 90/100 and offers excellent value at €7.80.
Domaine Aymard Les Galères Ventoux Rouge 2020
14% alcohol. This blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre produces a fresh, supple, and rounded wine with a notable stony, herby edge to the rich cherry and plum fruit. It exhibits a juicy, easy-to-drink quality with pleasant weight and balance. Score: 90/100. Price: €9.80.
Domaine Aymard Rocans Ventoux Rouge 2022
13.5% alcohol. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, matured in a large tronconic vat. The wine reveals enticing aromatics of bright berries, pepper, and dried rose petals. The palate exhibits good concentration alongside brightness and structure, resulting in a balanced and focused wine. Its elegance and layered complexity result in a score of 93/100. Price: €14.
Domaine Aymard Insolence Ventoux Rouge 2020
13.5% alcohol. This wine, comprising of 80% old vine Grenache along with equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre, presents a tarry, spicy character accenting the herb-infused cherry and berry fruits. It reveals a hint of sweetness and a touch of appealing greenness. The finish adds a twist of pepper, securing a score of 91/100. Price: €14.
Domaine Aymard Les Grappes Ventoux Rouge 2022
14% alcohol. Composed of Grenache and Cinsault, this lighter-coloured wine greets the nose with lively, peppery red fruits and wild strawberry. The palate shows impressive balance, blending peppery brightness with underlying sweetness and strawberry notes, while showcasing fresh acidity. The wine’s superb drinkability, personality, and finish of white pepper and garrigue result in a score of 95/100. Price: €18.