LANGUEDOC

Domaine Franck Soulayrol - L’oratoire de St jean d’Aureilhan

An alignment of planets as we like them. It was during a lovely tasting at the Grange des Pères estate, in the company of my friend Anne R. and orchestrated by Bernard Vaillé, that I first chatted with Franck. At first glance, his quiet surfer look didn't convey his profession or his passion for wine. After a few impassioned exchanges, I was invited into his cellar for a barrel tasting of the endemic grape varieties that make L'Oratoire a veritable Languedoc nugget. Made from a blend of Mourvèdre (60%), Syrah (30%) and San Giovese (10%), l'oratoire is a wine that combines elegance and suppleness. Its nose of ripe, candied fruit aromas gives it a gourmet, well-balanced palate with a long, complex finish.

This nectar reveals his many experiences at Clos Marie, Grange des Pères and even Arnaud Mortet. I was won over by this particularly successful first vintage. It reflects Franck's talent and audacity.

Today, as I accompany Franck, I realize how fortunate I am to witness the birth of a superb domaine, with a captain as discreet as he is gifted.