Rhône: New Releases

This superb wine from Domaine Giraud comes from 50-80 year old vines grown across the various soil types found in the appellation. There is so much freshness and energy in this 2019, bursting with salty red berries. One of the best examples of its type.

This Lirac is so juicy and vibrant. Marie describes the vineyard they own here as being 45-minutes-by-tractor away from the domaine's cellars on the other side of the Rhône river in Châteauneuf. It's the only form of transport she uses to make the journey, so the only measure she can give. The 60 year old vines grown in sandy soils produce a bright, fresh, aromatic red. It offers many of the qualities you'd look for in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and, with its superb value, makes it a brilliant everyday red.

This is another top cuvée from Domaine Giraud, named in honour of François and Marie’s father, made from vines planted in 1901 in the sandy soils next to Château Rayas. It is as good as it sounds, with stunning volume and power.

Les Gallimardes is in the southern part of the appellation, where vines well over 100 years old grow in the iconic pudding stone vineyards. Marie commented that the old vines are coping particularly well with the hot dry summers, with the deep roots still able to access water even in a drought. It wasn’t made in 2018, but is back in style in 2019, so fragrant and plush.