Meridiem Terraces du Larzac Les Louves 2022

Region: Larzac, France

Grape Varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

This wine is produced from the vineyards closest to the winery in the Terrasses du Larzac appellation. This ominously named appellation was created in 2014 and covers 32 villages in the foothills of Larzac, with its northern boundary naturally formed by the Causse du Larzaco. Elevations run from 400-1300 feet above sea level and thanks to the proximity to the Central Massif, the region experiences a wide diurnal temperature swing each night during the growing season. This allows for full ripeness of the grapes but they retain good freshness as well. To make this wine all fruit comes from the estate’s single vineyard “Les Louves,” with the blend being a mix of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from vines that are at least 50 years old. All of the grapes are destemmed and each variety is fermented separately. Once dry the blend is made and the wine is aged in concrete tanks for 18 months before release.

Decant this wine for a half hour before serving and chill to cellar temperature. Then it reveals a rich combination of cooked raspberries, dried black figs, wet black slate, bergamot and cold black tea. This is the bigger of the two wines, with a rich mouthfeel and fairly obvious tannins that grip this wine into the finish. Drink 2024-2029.