AOC Lirac Wine

On the right bank of the Rhône, in the Gard department, the appellation requires blending: every Lirac combines several grape varieties, with the principal ones in the majority. Each grower works with varieties chosen because they stand up to intense summer heat, matched to the soils and exposure of each plot.

Roquemaure's River Port and the Barrels Branded "CDR"

Lirac's reputation took off in the 18th century, on the river. Roquemaure was then the Rhône's leading port for the wine trade, with up to 2,000 barrels at a time waiting to be shipped to Paris, England or Holland.

In 1729, a decree of the King's Council ordered barrels made of chestnut wood, in a new size. Roquemaure, Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres and Lirac joined forces to have it repealed.

In 1737, another decree required the letters "CDR," for Côte du Rhône, and the vintage to be branded on the barrel heads. The goal was to stop wines from lesser sites from passing as those of Roquemaure and its neighboring parishes.

The decree covered about ten villages, including all four in today's appellation, plus Tavel, Orsan, Chusclan and Codolet.

History of the AOC Lirac Appellation

Located in the southern Rhône Valley, AOC Lirac is one of the region's oldest appellations. Historically renowned for its quality wines, Lirac captivated the palates of the Avignon popes in the 14th century and gained its AOC status in 1947. While it may be less famous than some of its neighbors like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, AOC Lirac offers red, white, and rosé wines with excellent value for money.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Lirac

• Climate: AOC Lirac enjoys a Mediterranean climate with sunny, hot, and dry summers, and mild winters.
• Soils: Lirac is characterized by its stony terraces and sandy soils, which give the wines a great finesse reminiscent of those from Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Signature Grape Varieties of the AOC Lirac

AOC Lirac produces blended wines from a wide variety of red and white grape varieties, including:

• Red and Rosé Wines:

  • Grenache (majority)
  • Syrah
  • Mourvèdre
  • Cinsault
  • Carignan

• White Wines:

  • Clairette
  • Bourboulenc
  • Ugni Blanc
  • Grenache Blanc
  • Roussanne
  • Viognier
  • Marsanne

Style of AOC Lirac Wines

• Red Wine: These wines have an intense garnet-red color. The nose reveals ripe red and black fruits, sweet spices, leather, and licorice, sometimes evolving into truffle notes as they age. The palate is round, generous, and delicate.
• Rosé Wine: These wines display a pale pink color with salmon reflections. Aromas of red berries, citrus (grapefruit), and flowers dominate. The palate is fresh and balanced.
• White Wine: These wines feature a straw-yellow color. The bouquet is marked by citrus, white fruits, and white flowers. The palate is round and fresh.

Best Food Pairings with AOC Lirac Wines

Here are some recommendations for pairing AOC Lirac wines from a domaine or château:

• Red Wine:

  • Roast lamb with thyme
  • Gardianne de taureau (bull stew)
  • Wild boar stew

• Rosé Wine:

  • Tomatoes with basil and burrata
  • Vegetable tian

• White Wine:

  • Provençal-style snails
  • Grilled sea bream
  • Goat cheese

Lirac: Colors, Grapes and How the Appellation Began

What Colors of Wine Does AOC Lirac Produce?

AOC Lirac produces red, rosé and white wines, all still and dry. It was the first of the Côtes du Rhône crus allowed to make all three colors. According to the Lirac growers' association, production splits into 85% red, 13% white and 2% rosé.

How Much Grenache Goes into a Red Lirac?

For red Lirac, Grenache must make up at least 40% of the vines a grower devotes to that color. Syrah and Mourvèdre together account for at least 25%, and Carignan for no more than 10%.

What Grapes Go into White Lirac?

White Lirac is made mostly from Clairette and Grenache Blanc, with Bourboulenc and Roussanne as the other principal grapes. None of the four may exceed 60% of a grower's white vines; Marsanne, Piquepoul Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Viognier can be added, up to 30% combined.

When Was Lirac Recognized as an Appellation?

Lirac was recognized in two steps, starting with a ruling by the court of Uzès on October 11, 1945. After two years of field surveys on plot boundaries and production rules, a decree dated October 14, 1947, made it an AOC.

Where Can You Buy Lirac Direct from the Winemaker?

You can buy Lirac direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. The wine comes to you directly from the producer who made it.

See also: AOC Tavel - AOC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Laudun - AOC Cairanne