Winemaker Notes
Once coming entirely from Grenache planted around 1950 in a sandy part of Lirac, the former Côtes-du-Rhône Les Sables d’Arene would be a standout Lirac if it wasn’t for the fact that mono-varietal wines were not permitted according under current AOC rules. Starting with the 2018 vintage, Les Sables d’Arene is now officially a Lirac since an elderly and heirless neighbor in Lirac was so impressed with François organic farming that he has leased his old vines of Syrah and Mourvèdre to Domaine Giraud. Depending on yields Sables d’Arene is about 2/3 Grenache with the remainder equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre. It retains its characteristic bright floral and bright cherry aromas with touches of bay laurel and peppery tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
More and more estates based in Châteauneuf-du-Pape are producing wine from Lirac. Giraud's 2018 Lirac Vieilles Vignes is a standout effort, with gentle garrigue notes of rosemary and bay leaf accenting ripe raspberries and stone fruit. Full-bodied and supple, it's easy to drink but shows ample concentration, sufficient to sustain it for at least 5-6 years.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Lirac Les Sables d'Arene was also brought up in a mix of concrete and used barrels. It’s a winner in just about every vintage, and the 2018 has loads to love, with perfumed strawberry fruits, spring flowers, and spice, a Pinot Noir-like elegance, fine tannins, and a solid finish. It’s not going to make old bones, so drink up.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.