Château d'Aqueria

Lirac

In the 16th century, Lirac wines, already highly appreciated by the world's great and good, were present on the tables of the great royal courts, both in France and abroad. In 1904, Comte Henri de Régis de Gatimel inherited Château de Ségriès within the appellation. At the time, the estate's only resources were a few cereals, silkworms and a modest vineyard. In 1925, he decided to replant the vineyard as it had existed in Roman times. AOC Lirac was classified as a Côtes-du-Rhône cru on October 14, 1947. AOC Lirac is located 15 kilometers northwest of Avignon, on the right bank of the Rhône, in the Gard department, in 4 communes, including Roquemaure, the birthplace of Côtes du Rhône, Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres and Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas, on the right bank of the Rhône.

Appellation

Appellation created in 1947
5% rosé wines
85% red wines
10% white wines
750 hectares of vines
22 000 hl/ year
Average yield 41 hl/hectare
50 % of the production exported

Vineyard

Grape varietals

50% Grenache Noir, 25% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault

Terroir

Mediterranean influence. 2,700 hours of sunshine a year and a dominant wind: the Mistral

Average age of vines

40 years

Winemaking and ageing

Winemaking method

Long fermentations of around 4 weeks in vats, with each grape variety vinified separately. Pigeage and délestage follow one another to extract the best from each grape variety. After pressing, the juices are blended.

Ageing

30% of the wines are aged in French oak barrels, a quarter of which are renewed every 4 years. Aged from 6 to 10 months, depending on the vintage.

Yearly production

40 000 bottles.

Tasting notes

Visual

deep red color

Nose

The nose opens with jammy red fruits (strawberries, blackberries, blackcurrants), combined with spicy notes.

Palate

The palate is harmonious and fine. The clarity of the fruit is striking and accompanies us right through to the finish. The tannic structure is delicate, and the masterful barrel ageing adds light roasted notes.