Marcoux’s biodynamically farmed Lorentine vineyard lies in the heart of the Lirac appellation on the red clay, limestone and galet soils of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres (in the valley of Balouvière). Over many years, the Armeniers have slowly peeled back the layers of Lirac’s neglected terroir.

They have restored life to the soils through cultivation and organic/biodynamic practice and are producing wines worthy of this excellent terroir. The 2021 is a blend of Grenache (50%) and equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre, fermented with indigenous yeasts and raised for 15 months in concrete and old wooden barrels.

Very Marcoux in style, full of the Ameniers’ trademark purity and balance. Bright, blueberry fruits on the nose with garrigue, black olive and pepper and some savoury wet-stone minerality. It’s generous and textured on the palate but light on its feet, full of bright fruit, violets, anise and subtle minerality. It finishes long and fresh with fine, powdery tannins. A real pleasure, and effortless to drink despite its impressive depth of flavour.

“There was no frost in Lirac, so yields were healthy as well. Ripe darker, almost blue fruits, garrigue, and pepper, as well as a touch of flowers, all define the nose, and it’s medium-bodied, has good concentration, and a great finish. This cuvée also offers pleasure, and the 2021 will be no exception.”
Jeb Dunnuck

“The nose has a careful air of mixed fruits, dark berries. The attack is crystalline, with free run, still cautious fruits, neat juice late on. It’s upright and cool, outside the main group of wines, carries interest.”
John Livingstone-Learmonth, Drink Rhône