Adissat, Lirac, Côtes du Rhône

The Wine of the Week by Annette Tomei

2010 Adissat, Lirac AOC, Côtes du Rhône, France

Some of the first wines from the Côtes du Rhône came from Lirac, which was also the first in the area to produce all three still styles (red, white and rosé). Lirac is situated across the Rhône River from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and has similar terroir. The primary red grapes of the region are Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mouvedre, Carignan, and Cinsault.

Adissat is a joint effort between importer, Serge Doré and two of the Rhône Valley’s most esteemed consulting winemakers, Gérald Lafont and Baptiste Olivier, to create a wine representing their passion for the regional terroir.

The 2010 vintage is a blend of 80% Mourvedre, 10% Grenache and 10% Syrah. The color is deep and intense. Aromas of black plum and stone or pencil shavings prevail. The tannins are well integrated and the mouthfeel is rich and round. Flavors of dark berries, cassis, and the aroma of lavender and other Herbes de Provence make this a classic pairing for Provençal-style stews, roast lamb or eggplant.