Domaine Lafond La Ferme Romaine 2021

Domaine Lafond is located in the Lirac AOC of the Southern Rhone Valley, an area known for its Mediterranean climate, dry conditions, and ample sunshine. The soils of Lirac are rich in red pebbles and sands, providing an ideal environment for growing robust red wines. The climate, with its cool winds and limited rainfall, ensures that the vines experience a healthy diurnal temperature variation, which helps preserve acidity in the grapes while promoting full ripening.

The wine is a blend of 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre, three grape varieties that thrive in the warm Mediterranean climate. This blend offers a balanced expression of richness and complexity, with the Grenache providing fruitiness and body, the Syrah contributing structure and spice, and the Mourvedre adding depth and colour. The wine is bold, with a deep ruby colour and a powerful, well-structured profile.

The grapes are handpicked to ensure quality and preserve the freshness of the fruit. After sorting, the wine undergoes a 21-day fermentation with full destemming, allowing for soft tannins to develop. The fermentation process occurs in stainless steel, followed by aging in new oak barrels (with half undergoing strong heating and the other half a more moderate toasting). The barrels impart a subtle vanilla character to the wine, helping soften the tannins and integrate the flavours. After aging from January to October, the wine is bottled and continues to improve over the years.

Domaine Lafond La Ferme Romaine 2021 is a powerful and complex wine, characterised by its deep ruby colour with purple tinges. The nose offers aromas of cinnamon, cooked fruits, and Morello cherries, with hints of vanilla and pepper. On the palate, the wine is rich and firm, with a well-integrated structure. It finishes with lasting flavours of vanilla and pepper, leaving a supple, balanced aftertaste. The wine has a good length and is perfect for ageing.

This wine pairs beautifully with charcuterie, red meats, game, and strong cheeses. It is also an excellent match for roasted lamb, coq au vin, or Osso bucco. Serve at 16°C.