Lafage Narassa Cotes Catalanes

One of our favorite red wines from Domaine Lafage is this Lafage Narassa. If, like us, you enjoy full-bodied, powerful wines, then this red wine is definitely recommended. These wines have been a staple in our selection for years. This beautiful southern French winery has a rich and long history but remains family-owned. Today, Jean-Marc Lafage and his wife Eliane are at the helm of Domaine Lafage. The estate is nestled between the azure Mediterranean and the mighty Pyrenees, in the far south of France between Perpignan and the coast. The estate boasts 140 hectares of vineyards on predominantly chalky soils. With this wide range of vineyards, Lafage knows how to create wines for every taste, from beautiful basic wines to gourmet delights.

French wine made with Appassimento technique

Lafage uses 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah grapes for this Narassa. The vines for this wine are over 60 years old, resulting in a low yield per plant but exceptionally high quality. The vines are situated on black slate soil in the Vallée de l'Agly. The warm Mediterranean climate allows the grapes to grow carefree. The Syrah grapes are the first to reach peak ripeness, meaning they are harvested by hand sooner. Grenache grapes have a different story. They remain on the vines longer and begin to dry out slightly before being harvested. This is a well-known Italian technique called Appassimento. While the juice yield is lower, it is much more concentrated.

The taste of Lafage Narassa

We're therefore incredibly curious about the effect of this Appassimento technique on the Narassa wine. We can already see it a little while pouring. The juice is a beautiful, deep, dark red with an almost black core. The aroma reveals deep and rich notes of berries, blackberries, and spices, with a touch of currant at the finish. The palate is rich and full of nuances of black fruit, complemented by candied fruit, a touch of caramel, a touch of spice, and pleasant tannins. The finish is full-bodied yet surprisingly smooth. A powerhouse with a gentle character. This wine also pairs wonderfully with dishes like stews and grilled meats.