Domaine Lafond Roc-Epine Lirac Rouge

Domaine Lafond, now run by Jean-Pierre and Pascal Lafond, is based in Tavel where it has 35 hectares of vineyards and produces one of the best Tavels on the market today. The domaine also has a 10-hectare holding in the neighbouring commune of Lirac, where it produces both red and white wines.

This estate is named after a famous French race horse of the 1960s, Rocquépine, a favourite of winemaker Pascal Lafond's father. The current winery was constructed in the 1970s and has been considerably extended over the years to accommodate the production of the domaine's 85 hectares.

Vinification

Grapes are all destemmed, then vatting occurs for 14 to 20 days; then pressing, the end of fermentation and conservation takes place in stainless steel tanks until the first racking; then we continue maturation in new oak barrels for 3 or 4 months in order to get a smoother tannin and to oxigenize the wine. Finally, the wine is kept bottled for at least 6 months before selling.

Tasting Notes

A powerful and well built wine, a deep ruby colour with violet tints. Complex nose of vanilla, fruits and griotte-cherries. The attack is rich and firm; the mouth expresses long lasting nuances of vanilla and pepper. This is a smooth and rich wine with a very good length.

Drink with cold cuts (delicatessen), red meat, game and cheese.