ByAVI EFRATI

Domaine Lafage is a successful family winery, located in a 15th-century building near the town of Perpignan in the Roussillon region of southern France.

The winery is considered one of the leading in the area, led by Jean Marc Lafage. He holds about 2,000 dunams of vineyards in several sub-regions, each harvested at a different time and treated individually to maximize the expression of the terroir. The winery’s motto is to highlight the characteristics of the different plots that make up a Mediterranean wine in its full range of expressions.

For five of the six wines tasted, you get change from NIS 100. The highest priced among them – a complex and fascinating orange – costs only NIS 135. All the wines are very suitable for the Mediterranean climate and cuisine. Most provide good to excellent value for money. Cheers!

Domaine Lafage, La Retro Blanc 2022

Domaine Lafage, La Retro Blanc 2022
Domaine Lafage, La Retro Blanc 2022 (credit: Domaine Lafage Winery)

A dry white based on 85% Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and 15% Viognier from vineyards in southern France. Each variety harvested separately. Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Part of the Viognier fermented and aged for several months in oak barrels. Golden color. On the nose citrus, honeyed, slightly floral. Light body. 12.5% alcohol by volume.

How much? NIS 59.

Best with: Tapas, sandwiches, red mullet, and sardines.

Reviewer’s note: Present fruit but not too heavy, sharp and good acidic profile, honeyed note, good balance.

Value for money: 4.5/5 (excellent).

Domaine Lafage, La Retro Rouge 2022

Domaine Lafage, La Retro Rouge 2022
Domaine Lafage, La Retro Rouge 2022 (credit: Domaine Lafage Winery)

80% Syrah and 20% Grenache from vineyards in southern France. Each variety harvested separately. Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Part of the Grenache underwent carbonic fermentation. Red-purple color. On the nose red fruit and spices. Medium body. 12.5% alcohol by volume.

How much? NIS 59.

Best with: Barbecue, roast beef.

Reviewer’s note: Distinct fruity profile, not overly concentrated, combined with unmistakable spice layers. The Syrah is fun and the Grenache adds dimension. With little pretense and low pricing, this wine succeeds in being a typical French bistro wine and an ideal candidate for a glass-pour wine in restaurants and wine bars, at a particularly moderate price.

Value for money: 4.5/5 (excellent).

Domaine Lafage, CÔTÉ Rose 2023

Domaine Lafage, CÔTÉ Rose 2023
Domaine Lafage, CÔTÉ Rose 2023 (credit: Domaine Lafage Winery)

60% Grenache and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, southern France. Each variety harvested and fermented separately in stainless-steel tanks after a 10-hour skin maceration. Pink color. On the nose red fruit and flowers. Light-medium body. 12.5% alcohol by volume.

How much? NIS 75.

Best with: Sandwiches, salads, pizza, picnic.

Reviewer’s note: Typical Mediterranean rosé with red fruit and flowers, freshness, pleasant acidity, and clear fun factor.

Value for money: 3/5 (not bad).

Domaine Lafage, Rose Miraflors 2022

Domaine Lafage, Rose Miraflors 2022
Domaine Lafage, Rose Miraflors 2022 (credit: Domaine Lafage Winery)

A dry rosé based on Mourvèdre (50%), Grenache Gris (30%), and Grenache Noir (20%) from Côtes du Roussillon in southern France. Each variety fermented separately, in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Very pale pink color. On the nose red fruit. Light-medium body. 12.5% alcohol by volume.

How much? NIS 95.

Best with: Plancha calamari, tartare and sea fish kebab, sushi.

Reviewer’s note: A higher-level rosé than its predecessor, notable for a slightly thinner body, significant dryness, a measure of chalkiness, perceptible acidity, and very restrained fruit.

Value for money: 3.5/5 (good. A bit pricier than usual for the type, but provides clear qualities worth the money).

2022 Domaine Lafage Grenache³

2022 Domaine Lafage Grenache³
2022 Domaine Lafage Grenache³ (credit: Domaine Lafage Winery)

Grenache grapes from old vines in three different regions – Maury in Roussillon, France; the Rhône Valley in France; and Aragón in Spain. The Aragón grapes underwent cold soaking for 10 days and cold fermentation at 20°C. The Roussillon grapes fermented at 30°C and macerated for 5 weeks on skins. The Rhône Valley grapes fermented at 35°C and macerated for 3 weeks. Deep dark red color. On the nose concentrated red and black fruit, spices. 15% alcohol by volume.

How much? NIS 98.

Best with: beef tartare, entrecôte, steaks, lamb chops.

Reviewer’s note: An utterly non-standard approach, taking Grenache grapes from several regions, treating each a bit differently, and combining them to expand the statement on the essence of the variety. Unlike most red wines attempted these days, this is a wine one can enjoy drinking right now. The varietal characteristics and winemaking treatment render the wine restrained, without overload of body or fruit, with the right measure of spice and genuine lightness on the palate. Considering the qualities, the value for money is truly excellent.

Value for money: 4.5/5 (excellent).

2021 Domaine Lafage, Taronja

2021 Domaine Lafage, Taronja
2021 Domaine Lafage, Taronja (credit: Domaine Lafage Winery)

An orange wine based on 50% Grenache Gris, 40% Muscat, and 10% Viognier from Côtes du Roussillon, France. Fermentation in open 500-liter oak barrels. Part of the wine fermented in whole clusters with stems. Skin contact lasted two weeks (Grenache) and one week (Muscat). Separate aging for 8 months for each of the varieties in oak barrels before blending and bottling. Delicate orange color. On the nose flowers and orange peel. Full body. 14.5% alcohol by volume.

How much? NIS 135.

Best with: fish, seafood, shellfish, veal, pork, and chicken.

Reviewer’s note: A complex orange wine, with intensity but mainly uniqueness of flavors, all without drifting into the typical funkiness of the style. Those unfamiliar with orange wine need not start with this one. Those who know will be thrilled.

Value for money: 3/5 (not bad at all).