Domaine de Marcoux : La Lorentine 2022

A biodynamic Lirac from the Rhône Valley, grown on soils of sand, gravel and limestone scree

The estate

Owned by the Armenier family, one of the oldest families of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, whose presence in the region is documented as far back as the 14th century, Domaine de Marcoux was founded in 1989, with the first bottlings carried out at the estate. Based in Orange, in the Rhône Valley, it farms a vineyard spread across Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac and Côtes du Rhône. Cultivated organically, under ECOCERT certification since 1991, and following biodynamic principles, it is now run by Sophie Armenier, who oversees the cellar, and her son Vincent Estevenin, who looks after the vineyard.

The vineyard

La Lorentine is a Lirac produced from a vineyard owned outright by Domaine de Marcoux. It lies in the Balouvière combe, near Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, on the right bank of the Rhône, opposite Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Sheltered in the garrigue, the plots sit on soils rich in sand, gravel and limestone scree. This garrigue landscape contributes to biodiversity. The vineyard is farmed organically and biodynamically.

Winemaking and ageing

For La Lorentine 2022, the grapes are harvested by hand. Vinification takes place without the addition of yeasts. The wine is then aged in concrete tanks and large foudres.

Grape varieties

The La Lorentine vineyard is planted with Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.