AOC Languedoc - Grés de Montpellier: Domaine Roquemale 'Lema' 2020
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In the picturesque Roquemale valley south-west of Montpellier, Valérie and Dominique Ibanez's award-winning 'Lema' rouge is a textbook Southern French blend. Formed largely of Grenache Noir and Syrah enlivened by a 'soupçon' of Cinsault, this cherry-scented red has spice and cocoa in abundance with a wonderful eucalyptus lift. Certified organic.
From the new AOC Languedoc – Grés de Montpellier appellation, the 2020 vintage was awarded a Silver Medal in the 2020 Terre de Vins competition.
Valérie and Dominique suggest pairing it with simply grilled veal fillets or slow-braised lamb shanks.
| Style | Red Wine, Sec, Full-bodied, Non Sparkling |
|---|---|
| Wine Region | Languedoc, Hérault |
| Grape Variety (Cépage) | Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Syrah |
| Food & Wine Matching | Blue Cheese, Lamb, Mushrooms |
| Viticulture | Organic |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Cellarage | Drink 5 to 7+ years after vintage. |
| Vinification | Largely hand-picked fruit is harvested at night and each parcel is vinified separately. Matured in tank and barrel for 6 to 18 months. |
| Alcohol By Volume (%) | 14 |
Domaine de Roquemale
In 2001, Dominique & Valérie Ibanez purchased 10 hectares of vines in the village of Villeveyrac, just south-west of Montpellier. The vines are situated in a small valley behind an old, disused railway viaduct, an image that was chosen as the emblem of the Domaine.
Formerly producing wines largely under the Pays de l'Hérault IGP, in 2024, their vines are largely classified as AOC Languedoc – Grés de Montpellier. Approximately 25+ years old, their vignoble is surrounded by garrigue on gentle hillsides of clay and limestone with a very stoney surface. A lot of the soil is red because of the bauxite ore found nearby. 'Roquemale' in the Languedoc language means poor soil, which can be positive for the vines, as it produces few grapes with greater concentration. The microclimate there is heavily influenced by its proximity to the sea and the saltwater lagoons of the Bassin de Thau running along the coastline. Cooling winds refresh the vines at night and the constant movement of air mediates the heat of the sun.
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