2022 L'Orangeraie Syrah-Viognier, IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc-Rousillon, France

The L'Orangeraie Syrah has a deep garnet hue that characterizes it, tinged with the glow of ruby at its rim. It appears primarily opaque, subtly suggesting its dense richness. The nose starts with a delightful fusion of boysenberries and fresh earth undertones.  Rounded and supple, full of dark raspberry, ripe red berry fruit, lifted with violet floral notes.  A layer of subtle spice and cassis and hint of licorice add to the lush, ripe plum, and the irresistible black cherry, all leading to a moderately long finish. and lovely elegant textured.

Easy to drink wine and a wonderful value with some potential for age for 5-8 years. It comes from a grand estate close to Carcassonne where the Château was built by the same architect as Versailles and where King Louis XIII left his travelling bed, possibly in the hope of a return visit. "L'Orangeraie" translates to "The Orange Grove" which surrounds the estate.

The Lorgeril family is one of the oldest wine-making families in France. Their family’s history dates back to the building of the majestic Château de Pennautier in 1620, and today includes five additional vineyards across high-altitude, complex terroirs, some of the best in the region.

The Lorgeril family estates are among the oldest to have remained in the same family in France since their foundation.

Between 1919 and 1940, when Paula de Pennautier (Black and white photo)  married Christian de Lorgeril , passionate about her vineyard, she launched a major renovation of the vineyard which was modernized. In 1938, she bought the Garille estate on the hillsides north of Pennautier; these were the first high-altitude terroirs. 

Continued by many generation of mostly women who brought new techniques and varietals and since 1995, the estates have been managed using sustainable agriculture. Nicolas de Logeril and his wife Miren have maintained the vineyards since 1987. Under

their management, Maison Lorgeril maintains a strong relationship with its land and sustainable agricultural practices.