In the glass
Aroma: dark fruit, chocolate, wild thyme, schist
Palate: blackberry, cocoa, garrigue, velvet tannin
Syrah-Mourvèdre-Grenache from selected Faugères schist plots at 250-350m. Velvety, deep, powerful but fresh. Cistus refers to the rock-rose plant emblematic of the schist garrigue.
What it pairs with
-
Roast duck breast
Velvet tannin and cocoa meet duck fat; thyme echoes the dish's seasoning. -
Slow-braised red meat
Wine's full body and structure handle braised beef or lamb. -
Aged Comté or Tomme
Chocolate and cocoa meet mature hard cheese.
History
The Vidal family has tended Château La Liquière since the 18th century, on Faugères schist. The vineyard converted to organic agriculture in 2011. Cistus is named for the rock-rose (Ciste) emblematic of the schist environment, surrounding their parcels.
- 2000 — First vintage of Cistus Rouge as a barrel-aged selection
- 2011 — Estate certified organic
Facts
- Producer
- Château La Liquière
- Grapes
- Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache
- Classification
- AOC Faugères
- Oak
- 60% aged in 500-litre French oak barrels for 12-18 months; 40% in tank
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- €18-22 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2000
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Cistus Rouge
What does Cistus Rouge taste like?
Dark fruit, chocolate, wild thyme and schist on the nose; blackberry, cocoa, garrigue and velvet tannin on the palate. Full-bodied with a long finish.
When should I drink Cistus Rouge?
Drink between 3 and 12 years from vintage. Younger bottles benefit from 60-90 minutes of decanting.
What food pairs with Cistus Rouge?
Roast duck breast is the canonical pairing; slow-braised red meat and aged Comté also work well.
How long is Cistus Rouge aged?
60% in 500-litre French oak barrels (demi-muids) for 12-18 months, with the remaining 40% in tank to preserve fruit.