2020 Lirac Rouge 'Cuvée Elie', Domaine La Lôyane, Rhone Valley, France

Created in 2001 by wine growers going back four generations, Domaine La Loyane is a family owned vineyard cultivating 25 hectares in the communes of Rochefort du Gard, Saint Laurent des Arbres and Saze.

Profiting from an exceptional geographical and geological setting, the vineyard is managed with respect for the environment with low yields from the oldest part of the property. Each parcel is hand picked and vinified separately to give the family complete control over their finished wines, with the complex geology of their vineyards gives them scope to produce wines not only that have great concentration and length but that show real complexity too.

A blend of Grenache 60% and Syrah 40%. 80 year old vines are planted in mixed soils of red sand, clay and round pebbles. Grapes are hand-harvested and vinification takes place in 50% old barrels and 50% stainless-steel tanks. The wine is matured in ‘demi-muid’ barrels for 12 months.