In the glass
Aroma: dark cherry, garrigue, dried herbs, pepper, mineral
Palate: plum, tobacco, warm spice, medium tannins, dry earthy finish
The red Lirac from Aqueria; good value, herb-driven, and fruit-forward with the estate's characteristic Provencal warmth. Lirac at its most accessible and traditional.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled lamb merguez
Warm, herb-driven Grenache is a natural match for spiced lamb sausage. -
Tapenade and grilled bread
Earthy herb notes complement olive-based tapenade. -
Grilled chicken Provencal
Medium-bodied Lirac is approachable with herb-roasted chicken.
How to serve Chateau d'Aqueria Lirac Rouge
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Grilled lamb merguez, Tapenade and grilled bread, Grilled chicken Provencal. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Chateau d'Aqueria has been producing red Lirac for much of the 20th century from old Grenache and Syrah vines across the Lirac appellation on the right bank of the Rhone. The Lirac AOC was established in 1945.
- 1930 — Red Lirac production documented at Chateau d'Aqueria
- 1945 — Lirac AOC established on the right bank of the Rhone
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau d'Aqueria
- Grapes
- Grenache (55%), Syrah (20%), Mourvedre (15%), Cinsault (10%)
- Classification
- Lirac AOC
- Oak
- Old foudres; no new oak
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 18-28 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-10 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1930
Frequently asked about Chateau d'Aqueria Lirac Rouge
What does Chateau d'Aqueria Lirac Rouge taste like?
On the nose, dark cherry, garrigue, dried herbs, pepper, mineral. On the palate, plum, tobacco, warm spice, medium tannins, dry earthy finish. Structurally full-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a medium finish. The red Lirac from Aqueria; good value, herb-driven, and fruit-forward with the estate's characteristic Provencal warmth. Lirac at its most accessible and traditional.
When should I drink Chateau d'Aqueria Lirac Rouge?
Drink 3-10 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Chateau d'Aqueria Lirac Rouge?
Grilled lamb merguez is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Tapenade and grilled bread and Grilled chicken Provencal. Warm, herb-driven Grenache is a natural match for spiced lamb sausage.
What grapes are in Chateau d'Aqueria Lirac Rouge?
The blend is Grenache (55%), Syrah (20%), Mourvedre (15%), Cinsault (10%). The wine is classified as Lirac AOC.