Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A terrific white, the 2014 Lirac Roc Epine Blanc is a blend 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne and 20% Viognier that was raised all in stainless steel. There’s 2,000+ cases made as well, so it’s not only affordable, but should be available in the market. Ripe peach, pineapple, honeysuckle and citrus blossom all flow nicely to a medium-bodied, forward, seamless and fruit-loaded beauty that has tons of flavor yet stays balanced and fresh.
Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.
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.