Lirac Marcoux (Domaine de) 2015

In an appellation with a somewhat masculine image, here is a property run by two women, sisters, Catherine and Sophie Armenier, whose family can be traced back to 1344. Their brother, who left to pursue his career in the USA in 1995, managed the current property initially, pioneering biodynamic viticulture from 1991 onwards. Sophie joined him in 1990, and now runs the winery side of the business while Catherine came along in 1995 to manage the vineyard. Following a number of acquisitions, the property now boasts 28 hectares. Sixteen of these are dedicated to Châteauneuf red. The predominantly Grenache vines are between 50 and 100 years old. The domain concentrates on low yields and strives constantly to produce ever more delicate and supple wines.

The grapes in this Lirac red are cultivated organically and biodynamically, harvested by hand, screened meticulously and cold soaked before fermentation. The property has adopted a similar winemaking process as for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with maturation for one year in concrete tanks and wooden barriques (pre-used). This approach makes for a complex and intensely fruity wine with ageing potential of a good 10 years.