Le Lièvre "The Hare" Minervois (France)

 Le Lièvre Minervois is a lovely expression of the Minervois region, which is nestled in the Languedoc-Roussillon area of southern France. This wine embodies the rustic charm and robust character that the area is known for, bringing together tradition and terroir in each bottle.

The wine greets you with an inviting deep, ruby red hue. On the nose, you’ll catch whiffs of ripe blackberries, plums, and a hint of spicy pepper. Take a sip, and you'll find a full-bodied wine with well-integrated tannins, a balanced acidity and flavours of dark fruits melded with hints of leather and liquorice.

This wine is a versatile companion at the dinner table. Pair it with a hearty Lancashire hotpot, slow-cooked lamb shank, or a classic Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Its robust profile also complements a variety of cheeses, particularly an aged Cheddar or a rich Stilton. For a vegetarian option, try it with a mushroom risotto or a roasted aubergine dish.

Le Lièvre is crafted from a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan, typical of the Minervois appellation. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure depth of flavour and complexity. The wine undergoes traditional vinification techniques, including a long maceration period to extract maximum colour and tannins. It is then aged in French oak barrels, adding subtle nuances and enhancing its structure.

This wine is a versatile companion at the dinner table. Pair it with a hearty Lancashire hotpot, slow-cooked lamb shank, or a classic Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Its robust profile also complements a variety of cheeses, particularly an aged Cheddar or a rich Stilton. For a vegetarian option, try it with a mushroom risotto or a roasted aubergine dish.