Château de Lancyre, Pic St Loup Rouge La Coste d'Aleyrac, Languedoc, France, 2019

Producer Profile

The long overlooked style and quality of this increasingly fashionable appellation has been recognised with the ‘Grand Cru de Languedoc’ status.

The Durand and Valentin families are now recognised as one of the leading producers in the region, producing mouthwatering rosé and lush, velvety reds.

Viticulture

The estate’s 80 hectares are divided into three main blocks: Clapassous, located around the Romanesque chapel of Aleyrac, Les Couronnes, the estate’s coolest site on hard limestone soils, and Valflaunès on red soils and limestone scree. The vines here average 25 years old and are planted to a density of 5500 vines per hectare on average. The soil is predominantly clay and limestone. The yield is around 50 hl per ha The harvest is a combination of a specially adapted machine and hand picking.

Winemaking

Traditional wine making methods. Total destemming. 15 days vatting with temperature controlled at 25°C max. Tank ageing in air conditioned cellar. Pumping-over, rack-and-return and punching of the cap depending on tasting results.

Oak Treatment

No oak treatment

Tasting Note

A wine with a deep red hue. The nose exudes notes of black cherry and rose on pouring then reveals aromas of black olive, liquorice and spice after swirling. The palate is full and fleshy and delivers flavours of black olives and candied liquorice with a long, fresh finish and elegant tannins.

Food Matching

Great with Mediterranean dishes, rabbit, milanese-style veal cutlets or roast chicken

Awards

Decanter 91 Points
I doubt there's a better-value wine from the Pic at present than Lancyr's tank aged 2019 Coste d'Aleyrac. Brilliant aromatic work, oranges, damson and mulberry in a fresh vivid and vital wine. Drink 2021 - 2024. 91 Points, AJ, Jan 2021