Lirac and its wines

Lirac is a renowned AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) located on the the right bank of the Rhône, in the département of the Gard, in France, directly opposite Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
It is one of the historic areas of the Vallée du Rhône méridionale, known for its rich, spicy reds, but also for producing elegant rosés e fresh and complex whites.

Thanks to the soils of galets roulés (pebbles), red clay and sands, and to the a warm, sunny climate ventilated by the Mistral, the wines of Lirac have concentration, finesse and great aromatic expression.
It is considered one of the emerging appellations and the excellent value for money of the Rhône valley.

What is the Lirac wine district?

The appellation Lirac AOC takes in the communes of:

• Lirac

• Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres

• Saint-Geniès-de-Comolas

• Roquemaure

Production is divided into:

• Lirac Rouge AOC → based on Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault.

• Lirac Rosé AOC → similar blends, but vinified as rosé.

• Lirac Blanc AOC → based on Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Viognier.

Characteristics of Lirac Wines

Colour

• Reds: Deep ruby red, purple highlights in the young wines.

• Rosés: Bright cherry pink.

• Whites: Straw yellow with golden highlights.

Aromas

• Fruity: Blackberry, plum and cherry in the reds; strawberry and raspberry in the rosés; peach, apricot and citrus in the whites.

• Floral: White flowers in the whites; rose and violet in the reds.

• Spicy and Mediterranean: Garrigue herbs, black pepper, liquorice, rosemary.

Palate

• Structured and Warm: In the reds, with velvety tannins and good freshness.

• Savoury and Fresh: In the whites, with excellent drinkability.

• Fruity and Crisp: In the rosés, ideal for summer cooking.

Typical Grape Varieties of Lirac

Black Grape

• Grenache Noir: The main grape variety, rich and warm.

• Syrah: Elegance and spiciness.

• Mourvèdre: Structure and longevity.

• Cinsault: Freshness and lightness, especially in the rosés.

White Grape

• Grenache Blanc: Rich and round.

• Clairette: Fresh and floral.

• Bourboulenc: Elegant, mineral.

• Roussanne: Finesse and complexity.

• Viognier: Intense aromas of fruit and flowers.

Why choose a wine from Lirac?

The wines of Lirac offer a great value for money compared with more famous neighbours such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
They are ideal with:

• Reds: grilled meat, roasts, light game, aged cheeses.

• Rosés: Mediterranean cooking, summer dishes, grilled fish and white meat.

• Whites: seafood, fish, Asian cooking, fresh cheeses.