Wines Minervois-la-Livinière Domaine Des Garennes - Minervois La Livinière - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Des Garennes' Minervois-La Livinière 2022 is a beautifully crafted red wine that showcases the strength and character of its appellation. The blend typically features Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, which are classic grapes of the Languedoc. Reflecting its recent 2022 vintage, the wine is likely to present vibrant fruit aromas with nuances of ripe blackberries, plum, and subtle hints of garrigue herbs. The terroir of La Livinière benefits from a mix of limestone, clay, and schist soils, imparting notable freshness and minerality, while careful vinification preserves the fruit's pure expression and adds a touch of soft tannins and impressive structure.

La Livinière, as a cru within the Minervois region, is one of the Languedoc’s jewels. The region basks in a Mediterranean climate, resulting in abundant sunshine, warm temperatures, and the influence of the Tramontane wind, which keeps the vines healthy and regulates ripening. The varied soils and hilly terrain provide excellent drainage and encourage deep root systems, contributing to the complexity and longevity of the wines. Historically, Languedoc is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in France, and Minervois-la-Livinière was the first cru officially recognised in Languedoc, testifying to its outstanding quality.

For food pairings, this wine shines alongside grilled lamb cutlets with rosemary, hearty cassoulet, or duck confit, each echoing the regional cuisine. Its structure and depth pair beautifully with hard cheeses like Tomme de Brebis or a simple charcuterie platter. Vegetarians might enjoy it with a rich ratatouille or stuffed aubergines.

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and silky texture, serve this wine slightly cool, at around 16-18°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes prior to serving will help open the bouquet, especially so early in its life, allowing the wine’s finesse and regional character to truly come to the fore.