Côtes-du-Rhône: Domaine Maby 'Variations' 2021
Richard Maby’s old-vine Côtes du Rhône hails from vines planted to the west of the Rhône river. Based on around three-quarters old-vine Grenache Noir, small amounts of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan make up the blend. Juicy red berry aromas dominate its nose with a little black pepper and forest fruit on the palate. Terrific with tomato-based dishes especially those soused in garlic, it’s a great introduction to the wines of Lirac and the Rhône Valley.
Usually blended from around 75% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre add structure and depth and it is finished with a splash of Carignan. From a parcel of low-yielding 50+ year old vines on garrigue-rich slopes between St. Laurent des Arbres and Roquemaure, this Southern Rhône assemblage has bags of supple character and fine tannins and should be enjoyed on its youthful fruit.
Style | Red Wine, Sec, Medium-bodied, Non Sparkling |
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Wine Region | Rhône, Côtes du Rhône |
Grape Variety (Cépage) | Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah |
Food & Wine Matching | Beef, Charcuterie, Lamb, Mushrooms, Pork |
Viticulture | Non-Organic |
Vintage | 2021 |
Cellarage | Drink 1 to 5+ years after vintage. |
Vinification | Picked in the early morning to preserve acidity and freshness, grapes are matured in concrete tanks for 10 months to retain freshness and keep the bright berry fruit at its core. |
Alcohol By Volume (%) | 13.5 |
Domaine Maby
At Domaine Maby, third generation Rhône winemaker Richard Maby has injected fresh impetus to the family’s 60 hectare estate since relinquishing his job at the Paris Bourse in 2005 and returning to the vineyards of his home. The Maby family and Domaine have a long history of wine-making in Lirac and Tavel, and Richard’s grandfather, Armand, was the Mayor of Tavel. Now making wine under 4 appellations, Lirac, Tavel, Côtes du Rhône and the Coteaux de Cèze, Domaine Maby farm using sustainable agriculture principles to promote biodiversity and reduce CO2 emissions. This was recognized when Richard was named one of the Winemakers of the Year in the 2021 Guide Hachette des Vins.
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