2021 Romain le Bars Lirac Rosé

WINEMAKER: Romain le Bars
REGION: Rhône Valley, FR
VARIETAL: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan
VITICULTURE: Organic

LIMITED.

"Equal portions Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan, directly pressed, ferment and elevage in used barrique and 600lt barrel. I list notes here is two parts, from barrel first and then last week in bottle - 1) Inviting nose of red fruits and florals. On the palte, raspberries just before they hit ripeness, fine tannins, a wave of freshness, pink grapefruit. A vinous joy that will age beautifully... 2) Reduction initially, give this oxygen and time. As the reduction moves, the palate displays red fruits and blood orange. Slippery with fine tannins. Weighty yet with a stoney flintiness. A wine of power yet with finesse." - Liz Carey

In his early 20s Romain le Bars, a native Parisian, had a keen interest in wine and a desire to learn. He wanted to learn from the best and after applying for a job, he moved to the Southern Rhone/Gard in 2012 to work with the legendary Eric Pfifferling. Romain spent the subsequent 7 years working at cult winery Domaine L’Anglore and the influence is evident.

In April 2018 a unique opportunity presented itself when Romain found a 1.2 hectare parcel of vines in Tavel that was available for sale. With the help of Thibault Pfifferling, Eric’s son, Romain vinified his first wine from his garage, yielding 3000 bottles that first year. He now has 5 hectares in and around Tavel and Lirac.

For these southern varieties, and in true Pfifferling style, Romain prefers to use direct pressing (of approximately 3 hours) and carbonic maceration (5–9 days depending on the variety), for the finesse and freshness they give to the fruit.

These are elegant and ethereal wines made in the same spirit and vain as Romain’s former employer. L’Anglore style with vibrating energy.