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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Tasting Panel
A silky beauty defined by cherry, raspberry preserves, and tomato leaf. Cinnamon-dusted apple and milk chocolate midpalate, and the sensational mouthfeel paves the way for a finish of white sage, sandalwood, and lavender.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A pre-bottling sample of the 2020 Lirac Vieilles Vignes—a blend of 60% Grenache (formerly bottled as Côtes du Rhône Les Sables d'Arene) and 20% each Mourvèdre and Syrah—revealed a tender, delicate style, with notes of cherries, blueberries and dried spices. Medium to full-bodied, silky and pure, with a lingering finish, it looks like another winner from this domaine.
Barrel Sample: 90-92
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A larger region between Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Tavel, Lirac red wines resemble some of the best Cotes du Rhone Villages wines, while it’s rosés are akin to those of Tavel. The region’s quality whites, based on Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, are round and fruit-driven.