Château Saint Roch Château Saint Roch AOP Lirac Rouge Confidentielle 2023, 0,75 L

Lirac is often considered an insider tip in the southern Rhône. A taste of this ‘Confidentielle’ cuvée quickly shows why. The wine offers remarkable character, depth and elegance. At this level of quality, even its neighbours from Châteauneuf-du-Pape face strong competition.

The nose opens with juicy aromas of raspberries and strawberries, complemented by a subtle hint of liquorice that adds further complexity. On the palate, the wine is concentrated and powerful, yet remains smooth and well-balanced. Velvety tannins combine with the juicy fruit to create a harmonious overall impression.

This cuvée is made from equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The grapes are sourced from the diverse soils around Lirac, including the well-known galets roulés, as well as limestone and sandy soils. After careful hand harvesting, the wine is aged for twelve months in lightly toasted French oak barrels, adding complexity without overshadowing the fruit.

This Rhône red pairs particularly well with braised beef, hearty stews or a classic daube provençale. It is enjoyable to drink now and also has the potential to mature in the bottle for a further seven to eight years.