Domaine des Cigalounes winemaker Emmanuelle Gauthier is a non-interventionist and looks for finesse and silky tannins in his wines rather than over-extraction. His 2019 Lirac is just that – a concentrated wine with aromas of deep, wild cherry fruits and spicy notes. Full flavoured with a smooth texture, silky tannins and a long, satisfying finish. A portion of the blend was matured in barrel imparting a lovely subtle complexity.
Lirac is an appellation on the western side of the southern Rhône Valley. Domaine de Cigalounes is a seven-hectare property which has been certified organic since 2012. It is located on the rocky plateau between the villages of Tavel and Lirac, on the opposite bank of the Rhône from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The vines are grown according to traditional philosophies, in red soils with pebbly topsoil.