Domaine Lafage: Sustainable Grenache from the Roussillon #Winophiles

Deep Dive into Grenache with the French Winophiles
In September, our French Winophiles writers are digging into a key grape in Southern France: Grenache. While Grenache is grown all over the world, our focus will be Grenache from France. Take a look further down in this post for links to my fellow writers’ discoveries!

The Grenache Grape
Even though we often associate Grenache with the south of France, it originated in Spain, where it is referred to as Garnacha. On the Italian island of Corsica, it is called Cannonau. In the US and Australia, it is called Grenache. Grenache has several skin color mutations, producing Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and the original Grenache noir. Interestingly, all three colors share the same DNA. Grenache buds early, but it ripens late so it thrives in warm climates. This is why you’ll not see Grenache grown in central or northern France. Grenache is well suited to training as a bush vine, which is an advantage in windy parts of southern France. Grenache also does well in hot, dry climates. In an age of climate change, we are likely to see more Grenache! Grenache grapes tend to generate lots of sugar, so the wines tend to be higher in alcohol.

Domaine Lafage in the Roussillon
Domaine Lafage is located near Perpignan in the Roussillon region in the southwest corner of France. Roussillon is very hot and dry in the summer, and Domaine Lafage has made impressive commitments to the environment and modern viticulture. Many of their properties are certified organic and others are in transition. They utilize drought tolerant grape varieties like Grenache and Carignan. They are performing experiments with biochar to increase the organic content of the soil, dramatically increasing water retention and carbon storage. This link has a more complete summary of their efforts.

Domaine Lafage “Nicolas” Vieilles Vignes de Grenache, IGP Côtes Catalanes 2023 ($24 locally) 15% abv
This wine is named after their son, Nicolas, 100% Grenache from vines of average age of 65 years. Vines are hand harvested, vinified and aged 12-15 months in oak barrels.
Eye: Pale ruby
Nose: Medium plus aromas of black cherry, blackberry, chocolate, coffee, hints of rosemary and leather. The alcohol can be sensed on the nose, though not overwhelming.
Mouth: Dry, medium plus acidity, medium minus smooth tannins, full body, high alcohol, medium plus intensity flavors, medium plus finish. Flavors followed the nose with a black cherry in front and nice savory character underneath.
Observations: The pale color is deceptive, as this is a generous full-bodied red wine. While it is 15% abv, it carries it well and was a very nice match for medium rare lamb chops.

Domaine Lafage “Nicolas” at the Dinner Table
Even though it’s September, we had a bit of a heat wave in Minnesota. I had some lamb I needed to cook before leaving for France for the fall and winter. Domaine Lafage Grenache was a very nice transition from the lighter reds of summer without dipping into the bigger, more tannic wines we’ll enjoy in colder weather. It had the full body and ripe flavors to pair nicely with the lamb and just enough tannic astringency to clear the taste buds.

Explore French Grenache with the Winophiles
Take a look below at some great ideas for your next bottle of Grenache (even if it isn’t from France).

• Wendy is having Roasted Lobster Tails with Curry Dipping Sauce paired with a French Granache Rosé at A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Camilla is tasting A Pays d’Oc Grenache with Iberian Peninsula-Style Squid at Culinary Cam
• Terri is pairing a 2019 Milhas Grenache with Campfire Beef Stew at Our Good Life
• Gwendolyn is celebrating with Let’s Go Grenache! Dave Phinney’s D66 from Cotes Catalanes France with Lamb Chops at Wine Predator
• Jeff is writing about Domaine Lafage: Sustainable Grenache from the Roussillon at Food Wine Click!