Chateau Boucarut Lirac 'Pierres Vivantes' 2022

Lirac is one of the Southern Rhône's best kept secrets, and this vibrant red shows exactly why. Bursting with juicy cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, it combines the warmth and generosity you'd expect from the Rhône with a freshness that keeps you coming back for another glass. Hints of cracked black pepper, wild herbs and a subtle stony character add complexity without ever getting in the way of the wine's freshness.

This is a wonderfully versatile food wine. Pair it with grilled lamb, slow cooked beef, pork sausages, charcuterie or a hearty vegetable stew. Its bright fruit and savoury spice make it just as comfortable alongside a summer barbecue as it is with a cosy Sunday roast.

Château Boucarut is a small family estate in Lirac, on the western bank of the Rhône opposite Châteauneuf du Pape. Founded by Saskia and Maurice Goetschy, the estate is farmed organically with a strong focus on biodiversity and minimal intervention in the winery. The name Pierres Vivantes, meaning "Living Stones", reflects both the stony, sandy soils of the vineyard and the living ecosystem they work hard to preserve. The result is a wine full of energy, character and a real sense of place.