“The Pélaquié family has been cultivating vines on the same Southern Rhone parcel since the mid-1500’s. Each generation has protected this cultural legacy with love, keeping the familial footprint intact via some of the most elegant wines you’ll find in Lirac, Tavel, and Laudun. The estate is 95 hectares in total, and stylistically these are what you’d call “classic.” White wines have emerged as somewhat of a specialty here under Luc Pélaquié’s direction and these are worth paying special attention to when available. Grape varieties are harvested at optimal ripeness and vinified separately. After 24 hours of maceration, the alcoholic fermentation takes place in thermo-regulated tanks during 15 days with regular pumping-over. The wine is aged in stainless tanks for 12 months before bottling.” This bottle, a blend of 70% Grenache 30% Mourvèdre, is an excellent expression of what the family has been trying to achieve. According to Wine Advocate critic Joe Czerwinski, “The medium to full-bodied 2017 Lirac starts with scents of black olive, but then those blend easily into red fruit flavors on the palate. Most impressive is the rich, velvety texture, which lingers elegantly through the long finish.” Joe rated the wine 90 points and wrote that it should be drinking well through 2025. The Wine Searcher app indicates that prices start at $14.99.
