Domaine Peyre Rose : Marlène N.3 2003

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for the Marlène N.3 2003 from Domaine Peyre Rose

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a deep red hue with garnet highlights, reflecting fine maturity.

Nose

The nose reveals intense aromas of ripe black fruit, sweet spices and smoky notes. There are also hints of black cherry, blackcurrant, liquorice, garrigue and pepper. Both airy and complex, the bouquet shows a very subtle menthol touch, along with nuances of ripe fruit complemented by notes of raspberry, sugared strawberry and a hint of juniper berry.

Palate

The palate is broad, fresh and deep, with fine volume and sophisticated tannins. Medium- to full-bodied, this wine offers notable, firm tannins, mellow fruit and a long finish. The balance is excellent and the depth remarkable, combining fragrant, delicate aromatics with an abundance of muscle. The finish lingers for more than 40 seconds, showcasing the wine’s concentration and expressive capacity.

Food and wine pairings

This wine is an ideal match for grilled or roasted red meats, especially lamb. It pairs beautifully with quail glazed with black cherry jam and roasted baby vegetables, or with a fine grilled rib steak and a tian of confit vegetables. Game preparations, such as venison or wild boar, also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

The Marlène N.3 2003 can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve positively over the coming years. Decanting for one hour helps aerate the wine and fully reveal its aromas. Ideally serve between 16 and 18°C.

A powerful, balanced Languedoc wine by Domaine Peyre Rose

The estate

Created in 1988 by Marlène Soria, the Domaine Peyre Rose now spans around 24 to 25 hectares of vines located on the Plateau de Peyral, near Saint-Pargoire, between Béziers and Montpellier in the Languedoc. A self-taught winegrower, Marlène Soria transformed an abandoned hamlet into a cult estate with international renown. A pioneer of organic and biodynamic farming in the region, she practices demanding viticulture with very low yields and extended aging of around 10 years before release. The estate produces three red cuvées and one white cuvée, all certified organic.

The vineyard

The Marlène N.3 comes from parcels that Marlène Soria considers the best planted on the estate. Located on the Plateau de Peyral at around 200 meters of altitude, these vines benefit from optimal exposure and excellent drainage. The soils are stony clay-limestone, rich in stones and mineral elements. The plateau benefits from regular ventilation from the Mistral and the Tramontagne, which moderate temperatures and preserve the grapes’ freshness. The vineyard is farmed entirely organically, without herbicides or chemical pesticides, with yields limited to around 14-15 hectoliters per hectare. Harvesting is done by hand with selective sorting.

The vintage

The 2003 vintage was one of the hottest and most challenging in recent French winegrowing history. The year was marked by exceptional heat and limited rainfall, creating extreme conditions for the vine. Despite these climatic challenges, the Plateau de Peyral terroir and the rigorous vineyard management made it possible to produce balanced grapes, retaining freshness and acidity despite advanced ripeness.

Winemaking and aging

The Marlène N.3 2003 grapes are harvested by hand, then transported directly to the winery for partial destemming. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats with extended maceration. The wine is then aged for around 24 months in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and oak foudres. After this aging, the wine is bottled and continues to mature in the cellar for several additional years. In total, the Marlène N.3 2003 benefited from around 10 years of aging before release, in keeping with the estate’s philosophy.

Grape varieties

This Coteaux du Languedoc wine is a blend of Syrah (65%) and Grenache Noir (35%).