Lirac is a wine-growing Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the southern part of the Rhône wine region in France, located on the right bank of the Rhone river. The region is known for its high-quality red, white and rosé wines. Lirac wines were awarded AOC status in 1947.
Lirac wines are often considered similar in style and substance to the more famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines produced nearby, but are usually more affordable. The red wines are typically full-bodied and spicy, made from a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Syrah grapes. The white wines, which are less common, are made from Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc grapes, and are known for their floral and citrus notes.
The Lirac AOC includes four communes: Lirac, Roquemaure, Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres and Saint-Geniès-de-Comolas. The terroir of Lirac is largely made up of pebbles that retain heat well, contributing to the ripeness and intensity of the grapes grown there. The Lirac vineyards cover about 780 hectares and produce around 27,000 hectolitres of wine annually.
The region also has an interesting history; it is said to be one of the oldest wine-growing regions in France, with wines from Lirac being enjoyed by the Avignon papacy in the 14th century.
