{"title":"Domaine Lafage | Côtes Catalanes","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Domaine_Lafage_Vineyards.jpg?v=1785056917\" alt=\"Panoramic picture of Domaine Lafage Vineyards in the Côtes Catalanes Region of the Roussillon in Southern France\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eSituated in the deep south of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"30\"\u003eFrance\u003c\/b\u003e, where the rugged foothills of the Pyrenees sweep down towards the Mediterranean Sea, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"123\"\u003eDomaine Lafage\u003c\/b\u003e produces some of the most exciting and expressive \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"188\"\u003eRoussillon wine\u003c\/b\u003e available today. The estate is anchored around a fourteenth-century Catalan farmhouse known as Mas Miraflors, sitting in a famously sun-drenched landscape that is constantly battered by the fierce Tramontane wind. Far from being a hindrance, this powerful wind acts as a brilliant natural pest control, keeping the vines incredibly healthy and ensuring the grapes develop profound concentration before the harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eRather than relying on a single vineyard, husband-and-wife winemaking team Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage have pieced together a fascinating mosaic of distinct terroirs. They work with ancient vines planted across three very different sites: coastal plots that benefit from cooling sea breezes, high-altitude granite terraces in the Aspres, and rugged black schist soils in the Agly Valley. Despite the intense Mediterranean heat, their true talent lies in their ability to tame the climate. By carefully managing these old, low-yielding vines and harvesting meticulously, they consistently capture a lively, energetic freshness that prevents their rich \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"651\"\u003eFrench red wine\u003c\/b\u003e and textured white blends from ever feeling heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eBoth Jean-Marc and Eliane represent the seventh generation of their respective wine-growing families, but they did not simply inherit their success. Before returning to the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"173\"\u003eRoussillon\u003c\/b\u003e to establish their own label in the late 1990s, they travelled the globe, honing their craft and making wine across South America, California, South Africa, and Australia. They brought this wealth of international knowledge back to their homeland, shifting the local focus away from high-volume bulk production to champion premium, terroir-driven expressions. Today, their dedication to local grape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan results in a consistently outstanding portfolio that punches well above its weight and continues to thrill the everyday drinker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"6\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDOMAINE LAFAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"domaine-lafage-narassa","title":"Domaine Lafage Narassa 2023","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eThe \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"4\"\u003eDomaine Lafage Narassa\u003c\/b\u003e is a wonderfully rich, velvety \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"58\"\u003eRoussillon red wine\u003c\/b\u003e that was actually born from a happy accident. Following the 2014 harvest, winemakers Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage realised a small parcel of Grenache vines had been entirely forgotten. Left on the vine, the grapes had over-ripened and slightly shrivelled under the intense southern sun. Rather than discard them, the couple decided to harvest and ferment this incredibly concentrated fruit, blending it with high-altitude Syrah. The result was so spectacular that they now recreate this 'appassimento' style every year. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTo achieve this signature depth, the Grenache is deliberately left on the vine late into the season until the grapes begin to dry out. This natural concentration of sugars and flavours is similar to the famous \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"210\"\u003eappassimento\u003c\/i\u003e methods used in northern Italy. The fruit is hand-harvested from ancient vines anchored in the black schist soils of the Agly Valley. By carefully blending this ultra-ripe Grenache with fresh, vibrant Syrah grown high up in the mountains, the winemakers manage to perfectly balance the luxurious sweetness of the fruit with a bright, energetic acidity. In the glass, this highly acclaimed \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"36\"\u003eCôtes Catalanes\u003c\/b\u003e release is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It offers an incredibly smooth, mouth-coating texture packed with intense flavours of sweet blackberry compote, dark chocolate, and wild Mediterranean herbs, finished with a subtle crackle of black pepper. Despite its impressive weight and richness, it finishes remarkably fresh and elegant. It is an absolute joy to pour alongside hearty winter stews, grilled steaks, or a strong blue cheese, and serves as a magnificent bottle for a weekend treat. [#intro]\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA rich, velvety 'appassimento' style red loaded with sweet blackberry, dark chocolate, and wild herbs...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Lafage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58440601960829,"sku":"A23LAFAGENARASSA","price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/NarassaBottle.jpg?v=1785058080"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Lafage_Collection_Image.jpg?v=1785057195","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/domaine-lafage.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}