Country: France Region: Languedoc Varietal: Syrah 40%, Carignan 30%, Grenache 30% Vintage: 2019 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Domaine de Bisconte Best Value Under €15 in the Irish Examiner, 9th December 2017 “Bright red and black berry fruit aromas, soft and ripe on the palate with pleasing plum fruits, elegance, and a blackberry fruit tang.” Carignan, Grenache, Syrah Attractive dark ruby red in colour, brilliant and limpid. Intense aromas of ripe black and red berries like raspberries or blueberries, with notes of crystallized fruits and vanilla. Warm and smooth on the palate, with fine and elegant tannins and a good length. Domaine Château l’Esparrou was constructed between 1889 and 1891 by the Danish architect Petersen who, having fallenunder the spell of the Roussillon, designed in the space of half a century most of the châteaux of this golden age for the vine.Château l’Esparrou has long enjoyed a high reputation: the famous «Travellers Guide to France» of 1813 already classed its wines amongst the best crus of the Roussillon. Numerous artists stayed there, amongst whom there were sculptors (Maillol), painters (Raoul Dufy), and poets (André Breton, Jean Cocteau). And still today artists are welcomed at the property throughout the year for exhibitions, conferences and workshops.TerroirEsparrou is in the commune of Canet-en-Roussillon, 15 Km from Perpignan. The vineyard spans clay hillsides and soils ofround river stones close to Canet’s saltwater lake and the Mediterranean sea, with a breath-taking view of the Canigou mountain.This terroir is swept alternately by the tramontane wind, winds rising from Spain and the ‘marin’ from the sea, and benefits from maximum sunshine exposure.The 60 hectares of vines are surrounded by wild natural spaces classed “Natura 2000”, a hillside in the heart of an exceptional and protected environment – an “island vineyard”. WinemakingBlend: Carignan, Grenache, Syrah. Manually harvested and whole bunch Vinification for the Carignan, destemming for the Grenache and the Syrah. Cold prefermenation maceration. Aged in oak barrels.Tasting noteAttractive dark ruby red in colour, brilliant and limpid. Intense aromas of ripe black and red berries like raspberries or blueberries, with notes of crystallized fruits and vanilla. Warm and smooth on the palate, with fine and elegant tannins and a good length.Serve with lamb, grilled chops, sirloin steaks, game or cheese.