Domaine des Cigalounes is a small seven hectare property, located on the rocky plateau between the villages of Tavel and Lirac on the opposite bank of the Rhône from Châteauneuf du Pape.

Certified as organic since 2012, this seven hectare property is located on the rocky plateau between the villages of Tavel and Lirac, on the opposite bank of the Rhône from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The vines are grown according to traditional philosophies, in red soils with pebbles. Winemaker, Severine Lemoine as a non-interventionist, looks for finesse and silky tannins, rather than over-extraction.

Lirac wine is pressed from a combination of grape varieties, the most dominant of which is the Grenache noir. Grenache noir grapes are spicy and fruity and have extremely strong raspberry and strawberry palates. The Grenache noir grapes also produce wines of above-average alcohol content, and Lirac wine must be at least 11.5 percent alcohol by volume. The winemakers in the Lirac region use specific blending rules to differentiate their wines from those of other winemakers in the surrounding area. Any Lirac wine must use at least 40 percent Grenache noir. At least 25 percent must be a combination of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and at least 10 percent must be a combination of Cinsault and Carignan.

The grapes were harvested at the desired level of maturity. The Domain concentrates on perfecting this sole wine and we believe they have done an exceptional job. They mature 20% of the finished wine in oak to add complexity and subtle oak flavours.

Domaine des Cigalounes, Lirac also works well matched with certain foods such as red meats, a hearty stew and mild cheeses. The wine is best served at 16-17°C.