Podcast "Auf ein Glas", episode 171: Three reds from the Rhône
(Podcast in German)
For the 171st episode of "Auf ein Glas" we travel (virtually, of course) to the south of France to the Rhône. Three red wines from the entry-level segment form the framework for the discussions - and these range from the presentation of the Fair Wine Award to Matthias Gräfe and his Wein & fein in Radebeul at EUROVINO to the three wines from Domaine des Lauribert, Domaine Montirius and Domaine de la Tête Noire. We taste Syrah, Grenach (and in the cuvée with the funniest label) a little Cinsault.
Domaine des Lauribert
The family-run Domaine des Lauribert is located in the heart of the southern Rhône, on the high plateau between Visan and Valréas. In the hands of the Sourdon family for five generations, the 54-hectare estate cultivates a large number of plots on diverse terroirs. The vineyards benefit from calcareous soils interspersed with pebbles and a Mediterranean climate with cool nights and plenty of sunshine. Laurent Sourdon vinifies wines with passion and precision that embody the typical power and freshness of the Côtes du Rhône-Villages Visan appellation. The winery is committed to sustainable practices and offers wine tastings as well as guest accommodation. The wines are characterized by balance, ripe fruit and an elegant structure.
In our glass we had: 2023 Les Truffières, Visan Côtes du Rhône-Villages, a cuvée of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache. The grapes come from selected sites in Visan on chalky, stony soils that give the Syrah its characteristic pepperiness and depth.
Domaine Montirius
Domaine Montirius in Sarrians is a biodynamic flagship winery in the southern Rhône. Family-owned for six generations, the 63-hectare estate comprises vineyards in the Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Côtes du Rhône appellations. The winery has been working consistently biodynamically since 1999 and is committed to maximum purity and loyalty to the terroir. The soils range from sandy-loamy alluvial deposits to stony terraces, which lend the wines freshness and minerality. Christine and Éric Saurel manage the estate with great care and produce wines of remarkable elegance and balance. Montirius stands for authentic, vibrant Rhône wines without artificial additives - a pioneer of biodynamics in the region.
Our wine: 2023 La Muse Papillesrouge Côtes du Rhône, a cuvée of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. The grapes grow on sandy-loamy soils in the area around Sarrians in the Côtes du Rhône.
Domaine de la Tête Noire
The young, dynamic Domaine de la Tête Noire is located in the heart of the southern Rhône. The approximately 22-hectare estate stretches across the municipalities of Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Cairanne. All the wines are certified organic and are produced with respect for nature and the old vines. The variety of terroirs - from stony terraces to sandy soils - produces wines of strong character with finesse and structure. The estate combines traditional craftsmanship with modern knowledge and produces elegant, expressive Rhône wines. The social component is a particular concern: The "Je t'aime" cuvée supports projects for disabled children. A friendly, committed winery with a lot of heart.
In the glass: 2021 Je t'aime, Côtes du Rhône-Villages - a pleasant, uncomplicated red wine made from Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault.
