{"title":"THE SOUTHERN CRUS","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Southern_Rhone_Crus_Vineyards.jpg?v=1779096164\" alt=\"Wide panoramic photograph showing vineyards and vegetation forming The Southern Crus in the Rhône Valley\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eSitting proudly at the top of the Côtes-du-Rhône regional quality hierarchy are \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"74\"\u003eThe Southern Crus\u003c\/b\u003e. This is an elite handful of individual villages that produce wines of such distinct, superior quality that they are permitted to completely drop the words \u003cstrong\u003e\"Côtes du Rhône\"\u003c\/strong\u003e from their labels. Rather than growing on the flat, fertile valley floor, these premium vineyards are carved into the rugged hillsides and dramatic, high-altitude slopes of the \u003cstrong\u003eDentelles de Montmirail\u003c\/strong\u003e. This challenging geography forces the vines to struggle, resulting in lower grape yields but a markedly superior concentration of fruit. For the enthusiastic drinker, a bottle from a standalone Cru represents a major step up because the combination of old vines and rigorous village blending laws captures a far more intense, complex expression of the landscape than any standard regional wine can manage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eWhile these Crus are all anchored by traditional southern blending laws, the specific grape makeup and unique landscapes alter the wine's personality completely from village to village. Tucked against the jagged \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"212\"\u003eDentelles de Montmirail\u003c\/i\u003e mountains, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"247\"\u003eGigondas\u003c\/b\u003e utilizes a heavy core of old-vine \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"290\"\u003eGrenache\u003c\/b\u003e blended with \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"312\"\u003eSyrah and Mourvèdre\u003c\/b\u003e to yield a powerful, muscular red with a deep structure. Just down the slope, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"410\"\u003eVacqueyras\u003c\/b\u003e introduces a higher percentage of Syrah into its blend, drawing on rocky clay terraces to produce a fleshier, deeply rustic, and intensely peppery character. Further north, the steep, baking clay hillsides of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"630\"\u003eRasteau\u003c\/b\u003e yield dark, brooding, and intensely robust reds, whereas the neighbouring limestone slopes of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"732\"\u003eCairanne\u003c\/b\u003e favor elegance, utilizing gentle blending to create a red that is remarkably smooth, floral, and light on its feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eThe diversity of the Crus extends far beyond standard red wines, offering two completely unique regional styles that shatter the misconception that the south only produces heavy reds. Across the river on the right bank sits \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"224\"\u003eTavel\u003c\/b\u003e, a village that holds a unique status as the only Cru in France solely permitted to produce \u003cstrong\u003erosé wine\u003c\/strong\u003e. Built primarily from Grenache and Cinsault, this is a deep, robust, and intensely savory pink blend that drinks with the complexity of a light red wine. Nearby, the sun-drenched vineyards of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"524\"\u003eLirac\u003c\/b\u003e act as an exceptional insider secret, utilizing the exact same stony soils and powerful Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre makeup as its famous neighbor Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but at a fraction of the price. Finally, the mountain village of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"759\"\u003eBeaumes-de-Venise\u003c\/b\u003e showcases the two faces of the valley, producing rugged, peppery red blends alongside its world-famous \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"880\"\u003eMuscat\u003c\/b\u003e—a luscious, naturally sweet white dessert wine packed with aromas of fresh orange blossom and wild honey.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"domaine-de-beaurenard-rasteau","title":"Domaine de Beaurenard Rasteau 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Domaine de Beaurenard Rasteau is a highly concentrated wine, made from vines planted on the best slopes and terraces of the famous Rasteau soils. A blend of Grenache and Syrah the wine displays a wonderful freshness in the nose with garrigue and wild blackberry notes. Fruity and spicy on the palate with wild raspberry, rosemary and thyme it has an appealing tannic structure, rounded body and is rich and powerful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de Beaurenard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":23612162244666,"sku":"A21BEAURENARDRASTEAU-1","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Rasteau.jpg?v=1565961302"},{"product_id":"ferraton-pere-et-fils-gigondas-les-murailles","title":"Ferraton Père et Fils Gigondas Les Murailles 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Ferraton Père \u0026amp; Fils Gigondas Les Murailles is a souther Rhône red wine dominated by the Grenache grape alongside the Syrah and Mourvèdre. Aged in oak barrels and vats for up to 15 months the Les Murailles Gigondas displays complex aromas of very ripe sour cherries, light spices and black pepper. The palate offers up flavours of very ripe small red berries, spice and garrigue with smooth tannins. This is a rich and long-lasting red wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ferraton Père et Fils","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":23750286082106,"sku":"A21FERRATONGIGONDAS-1","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Gigondas.jpg?v=1569771331"},{"product_id":"domaine-de-durban-muscat-de-beaumes-de-venise","title":"Domaine de Durban Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eDomaine de Durban's Muscat de Beaumes de Venise is made from 100% Muscat de Frontignan à petit grains blanc resulting in a highly aromatic, opulent and delicately coloured dessert style wine. The nose is displays a heady bouquet of orange blossom and apricots that leads onto a wonderfully honeyed palate of ripe peaches and yellow plums. A sweet, golden Muscat wine that is delicious as an aperitif with foie gras, Roquefort, dark chocolate desserts, strawberries or melon. [#intro]A highly aromatic, opulent \u0026amp; delicately coloured dessert style wine...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de Durban","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31095577378883,"sku":"A22DURBANMUSCAT","price":13.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Muscat.jpg?v=1573680760"},{"product_id":"lirac-by-roger-sabon","title":"Lirac by Roger Sabon 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eLirac by Roger Sabon is a classic regional Rhône red wine blend of Grenache (70%), Syrah (10%), Mourvedre (10%) and Carignan (10%). The Lirac appellation is located across the river Rhône from Châteauneuf-du-Pape and whilst it was traditionally best known for its rosé wines the region has become a great source of good value, full bodied reds that have a rich and silky spiciness. Lirac by Roger Sabon starts off perfumed and floral, backed by delicate berry notes. Medium to full-bodied, it’s creamy and supple, with a long finish. [#intro]Creamy \u0026amp; rich with silky spiciness Lirac by Roger Sabon is electrifying stuff...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roger Sabon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40165920669763,"sku":"A23LIRACBYSABON","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/LiracBottle.jpg?v=1662291008"},{"product_id":"domaine-richaud-cairanne-rouge","title":"Domaine Richaud Cairanne Rouge 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Richaud Cairanne Rouge is the flagship red wine of the domaine and also the Cairanne appellation. It is a blend of Mourvèdre (40%), Grenache (25%), Syrah (25%), Carignan (5%) and Counoise (5%) grapes, naturally farmed and vinified in a combination of foudres, demi-muids and concrete. The wine is then aged in a combination of foudres (10%), demi-muids (30%) and concrete (60%) in underground caves. Intense aromas of red fruits and dark chocolate, followed by a palate that is smooth, rich and deep with expressive darks fruits underlined by a spicy finish and notes of licorice. [#intro]The flagship red of Richaud \u0026amp; the appellation is rich, smooth and elegant...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Richaud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56612183212413,"sku":"A23RICHAUDCAIRANNERED-1","price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/CairanneRougeBT.jpg?v=1754225588"},{"product_id":"chateau-d-aqueria-tavel-rose","title":"Château d'Aqueria Tavel Rosé 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Château d'Aqueria Tavel Rosé is produced from a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Clairette, Mourvèdre, Bourboulenc and Cinsault grapes. At the winery, the grapes are meticulously destemmed and cooled before vatting. Then they are blended in pairs during 12-24 hours maceration to enhance the aromatic complexity. Once the perfect colour is obtained, the vat is bled and the pomace undergoes a slow pressing before being incorporated with the free-run juice. The juice then undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation for 15 days. This wine sees no malolactic fermentation and no oak contact. The final blend takes place in December before bottling. The intense pink colour is characteristic of a great Tavel. Aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry and pomegranate share the glass with peppery notes. The palate is flavoursome and long with remarkable freshness bringing a lovely balance to the wine. A gastronomic rosé that pairs with every part of the meal from aperitif through to dessert. [#intro]Intensely pink, this is a quintessential Tavel rosé; flavourful, vibrant \u0026amp; food-friendly...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château d'Aqueria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56620472172925,"sku":"A24DAQUERIATAVEL-1","price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/TavelBT.jpg?v=1754321843"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Gigondas_The_Dentelles_de_Montmirail.jpg?v=1779096502","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/the-southern-crus-wine.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}