Les Vignerons De Tavel & Lirac "Acantalys" Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2022

Alcohol: 14%

Grape(s): Grenache with Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvèdre

Localization: Rhône Valley, France

Tasting Notes: This has a beautiful, very deep ruby-purple color and fragrant aromas that feature floral lavender notes as well as blackberry and blueberry fruit and subtle spice. The bold palate shows ripe black and blue fruit, herbes de Provence, and subtle peppery spice. The ripe fruit feels fresh and pure as it stretches out across the palate with a velvety texture. This shows the ripeness and concentration of the terrific vintage. 

Food pairing: It’s a joy to drink on its own and will also be a great pick with hearty stews, juicy rotisserie chicken, or grilled burgers and steaks.

The Domain: Made at the excellent Les Vignerons de Tavel & Lirac Winery in Tavel, this shows the concentrated ripe fruit of the vintage and the elegant velvety texture of quality vineyards. This terrific Cooperative Winery in Tavel, next to Lirac and directly across the Rhône from Châteauneuf du Pape, is one of the most important wineries of the region. The vineyards average 30-years-old and grow in clay and limestone soils in and near Lirac at low yields of about 45 hl/ha. These low yields, about 20% lower than most Côtes du Rhône, give the wine outstanding concentration, deep and pure flavors, and elegant velvety texture.