Four Southern Rhône appellations in a phrase each: Lirac, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Cairanne

The southern Rhône is a great wine region of many appellations, led by Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Among them, Lirac, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Cairanne differ so clearly in style that a side-by-side tasting makes each character obvious at once.

Here we sum up the taste of each appellation in a single phrase. We hope it helps the next time you are choosing a southern Rhône.

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■ Lirac

An all-rounder — balanced and easy to love

Fruit, acidity and tannin sit comfortably together here, making Lirac one of the softest and most approachable styles in the southern Rhône. It goes well with food, and it is a fine place to start if the region is new to you.

Our Lirac recommendation

Lirac Rouge 2022, La Bastide Saint Dominique

Deep aubergine with violet highlights.

The nose is rich and elegant, black cherry and blackberry layered with vanilla, smoke and cocoa. The palate is fresh, at once powerful and supple in structure, with silky, fleshy tannins.

Cocoa blossom and toast on the finish lift the whole.

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■ Vacqueyras

Spicy and powerful, with a firm frame

Concentrated black fruit, a spicy accent and forceful tannins. Like Gigondas, it belongs to the powerful camp, and suits drinkers who want something with real substance.

Our Vacqueyras recommendation

Vacqueyras 2022, Domaine Les Ondines

A beautiful purple. Cherry, blackcurrant and red fruit dominate the nose, joined by fine notes of pepper, orange blossom and jasmine.

The tannins are comfortable, the aromas concentrated, the finish long.

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■ Gigondas

Powerful and structured — the weight the southern Rhône is known for

Gigondas is the reference point for the firmest, most concentrated style in the southern Rhône. Black fruit, spice and substantial tannins layer into a commanding wine — exactly what you want when you are after Rhône depth and presence.

Our Gigondas recommendation

Gigondas Vieilles Vignes 2022, Domaine Saint Damien

The parcel lies on the lower terraces within AOP Gigondas.

Full-bodied and remarkably textured, yet seamless and elegant with it.

Fleshy dark fruit, the classic southern Rhône liquorice, roasted herbs and a note of the spice box.

Silky in the mouth, with ripe tannins and a long, faintly saline close — a superb finish carrying the depth and savour that Mourvèdre brings.

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■ Cairanne

Smooth and elegant, fruit and acidity in fine harmony

Cairanne charms with a supple texture, refined fruit and well-judged acidity. It leans further toward elegance than its neighbours, and is the one to choose if you like a red with a soft feel.

Our Cairanne recommendation

Cairanne Les Deux Arbres 2022, La Bastide Saint Dominique

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■ In closing: knowing the appellations makes the southern Rhône far more interesting

All four are Grenache-led, and yet the character shifts this much from one appellation to the next — that is the appeal of the southern Rhône.
"Elegant tonight, or powerful?" Choosing by mood or by what is on the table becomes a great deal more fun.

Taste the four side by side, and see the depth of the southern Rhône for yourself.