A Tale of Two Liracs

Sometimes the mere act of crossing a river can provide a fresh and wonderful new perspective. In this instance, crossing the river also means finding an amazing wine at a dramatically reduced price.

We're talking today about Lirac, which is one of the 16 cru villages in the Rhône Valley region of France. Lirac is on the opposite river bank from the ultra prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Similar grape varieties and vinification techniques are used, so Lirac is a great place to hunt for bargains when you don't want to shell out $50+ per bottle for Châteauneuf.

The Bréchet family produces beautiful Liracs, however they are best known for their world-renowned Châteauneuf-du-Papes. Famille Bréchet's most recent purchase was Moulin des Chenes, a 25-hectare property of which 15 hectares were already under vine. There's a reason they were so impressed: these particular 50-year old vines happen to be located on one of the highest and most prized sites in the entire Lirac appellation.

Famille Bréchet Plateau des Chenes Lirac Rouge 2011

This wine is so rich and intense, it comes on like a baby Châteauneuf. It's so good we're already embracing the idea of autumn. Garlic roasted chicken? Yes. A rich beef stew? Most definitely. A burger on the grill? These are all fantastic pairings for this wine.

"An impressive new performer from Lirac. The consulting winemaker is Philippe Cambie, who is largely responsible for the tremendous upsurge in quality at Vaudieu over the last 4-5 years. The 2011 Plateau des Chenes, a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache aged 9 months in foudre and barrel, displays an inky/purple color along with a dense nose of black fruits, forest floor, acacia flowers, pepper and licorice. It possesses fabulous fruit on the attack and mid-palate, beautiful ripeness and a soft, well-made, opulent finish." (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 90 points

$19.99/bottle or $191.90/12 pack case ($15.99/bottle) or just $15.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Famille Brechet Plateau des Chenes Lirac Blanc 2011

If you love Châteauneuff-du-Pape Blanc then this is a wine for you. As one would expect, it's pale gold in color which is a pretty good indication of what's in the glass. The nose opens with notes of cedar and white flowers. The mouth is lively and round from the aging in oak. It doesn't take long for the baking spice nuances to emerge in the glass. This is a really nice white wine for autumn.

Just so you know, there are only four cases in MA and we have them all.

$19.99/bottle or $191.90/12 pack case ($15.99/bottle) or just $15.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

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