Moulin des Chênes, Lirac
Vintage: 2021
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | CH401B21 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
Moulin des Chênes is run by Laurent Bréchet of Château de Vaudieu, who along with his brother Julien, had always admired the potential of Lirac in the Southern Rhône. Hence, when the owner of the 25-hectare Moulin des Chênes vineyard retired, the brothers jumped at the chance to take over the estate.
Lirac lies across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a viticultural heritage that is just as impressive. Conditions for these two areas are similar, with both having over 2,500 hours of sunlight per year and a dry growing season that ensures consistently ripe, flavoursome wines. Lirac also has stony soils, with ‘galets roulés’ pudding stones supported by red clay underneath. The main difference is the influence of the Mistral, which is slightly milder in Lirac.
The wine of Moulin des Chênes blends together Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Grenache. After fermentation in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks, it ages in underground concrete vats for 10 months before bottling. The resulting wine is soft and generous in body, full of primary fruit and freshness, with a long, mellow finish. Lirac has a more forward, earlier-drinking style and offers remarkable value compared to the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Vineyards
Conditions for Lirac are similar to Châteauneuf-du-Pape: both are Mediterranean in climate with over 2,500 hours of sunlight per year and a dry growing season that ensures consistently ripe, flavoursome wines. Both have predominantly stony soils (Lirac also has the large pebbles or 'Galets Roulés' of its neighbour) supported by red clay underneath. The Mistral wind keeps the crop healthy and concentrates flavours in the berries.
Vintage
The 2021 vintage was marked by a very significant spring frost leading to a large reduction of overall yields. Fortunately, a warm summer followed which ensured the grapes reached optimal maturity and developed concentrated flavours. The harvest began on the 9th of September.
Vinification
The berries were destemmed and crushed, then fermented in stainless steel vats at 25°C. The wine was kept on skins for 15 days with daily pumping over with rack and returns to ensure good colour and tannin extraction from the skins. The wine was aged in concrete vats for 10 months before bottling.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This wine is deep crimson in colour, with aromas of ripe strawberries, blackberries and wild herbs. On the palate, the wine reveals velvety tannins and a juicy core of bold, red fruits and subtle spice.
Alcohol (ABV)
14%
Acidity
5.2 g/l
Residual Sugar
0.4 g/l
pH
3.54