From: Lirac, Southern Rhône, France
Varietals: 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 5% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre
Tasting Notes: This wine presents a deep ruby hue and a rich, aromatic bouquet of ripe red berries, black cherries, and delicate notes of allspice. It delivers a seamless blend of ripe plum and silky tannins on the palate, enhanced by a subtle touch of black pepper and a hint of juniper. It is a medium to full body, and well-integrated oak leads to a smooth and lingering finish.
Pairing: This wine pairs beautifully with traditional regional dishes like lamb stew with herbs, which highlights the wine’s earthy and herbal notes; Provençal ratatouille, which brings out its fresh fruit and spice, and duck confit, whose rich, savory flavors complement the wine’s silky tannins. For American pairings, slow-cooked beef brisket enhances the wine’s deep fruit and peppery spice, while pulled pork sandwiches balance its acidity with the meat’s smoky sweetness. With its delicate flavors, roasted turkey pairs well with the wine’s subtle oak and fruit notes, and a mushroom pizza highlights its earthy, savory side. Korean short ribs enhance the wine’s savory depth and spice for a more exotic option, creating a complex and satisfying pairing.
Classic Beef Brisket With Caramelized Onions
By David Tanis
About. Château de Montfaucon, nestled in the Lirac appellation just across the Rhône River from the iconic vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is a historic estate that has evolved into one of the Rhône Valley’s standout producers. The roots of the estate stretch back to the 11th century, when the castle’s first tower was built to guard the strategic border along the Rhône between the French Kingdom and the Holy Roman German Empire. Over the centuries, Château de Montfaucon saw periods of prominence, destruction during religious wars, and restoration, with each generation contributing to its enduring legacy.
The modern history of Château de Montfaucon began in 1995 when Rodolphe de Pins, a direct descendant of the Pertuis family who owned the estate since 1766, took over and transformed it from a grower that sold grapes to cooperatives into a full-fledged wine estate. Rodolphe, armed with winemaking experience from prestigious estates like Henschke in Australia’s Barossa Valley and Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, expanded the vineyard holdings from 18 to 45 hectares. His passion for sustainable agriculture and deep knowledge of the local varieties helped elevate Montfaucon’s wines into a new era of quality and character.
Montfaucon’s wines, particularly their Côtes du Rhône offerings, have garnered a reputation for delivering exceptional value, drinkability, and a deep connection to the terroir. The estate's commitment to sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention in the cellar has allowed them to produce wines that reflect the purity of the fruit and the distinct personality of the Rhône. Under Rodolphe’s leadership, Montfaucon has grown into one of the most beloved producers in the region, offering wines that showcase the richness of Lirac’s low hills and its storied history.
