Domaine Peyre Rose : Marlène N.3 2013

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Marlène N°3 2013 from Domaine Peyre Rose

Tasting

Color

The color shows a deep garnet-red hue, highlighted by subtle purple tints that reflect the grapes’ natural concentration.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity. Notes of red and black fruit come through first, evoking black cherry, blackberry and ripe plum. These fruity aromas gradually gain depth with nuances of Mediterranean garrigue, with hints of rosemary, thyme and sage. Spicy notes of black pepper accompany subtle touches of vanilla, cocoa and cold tobacco. Minerality also appears through flinty and graphite nuances, reflecting the limestone nature of the terroir.

Palate

The attack is smooth and elegant, unfolding a silky, caressing texture across the palate. The tannic structure, clearly present, integrates harmoniously without harshness or austerity. The wine shows fine density while retaining a certain lightness and relative freshness. Balanced acidity contributes to overall vibrancy and length on the palate. The finish is remarkably long, gradually revealing spicy flavors, notes of garrigue, cold tobacco and dried aromatic herbs. The balance between tannic structure and aromatic expression lends the wine a sophistication typical of great cuvées that have benefited from extended aging.

Food and wine pairings

This wine is an ideal match for grilled or roasted red meats, notably a rib steak or a roasted leg of lamb with Mediterranean herbs. It also pairs beautifully with stews and braised meat dishes, as well as feathered game such as roast duck, partridge or quail. Mediterranean dishes featuring aromatic herbs, cooked tomatoes and olive oil also make excellent accompaniments.

Serving and cellaring

The Marlène N°3 2013 can be enjoyed now and should keep until around 2036, or even well beyond. For optimal storage, keep the wine at a constant temperature between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, away from light, in a horizontal position.

An exceptional Vin de France from a unique terroir

The estate

Founded in 1988 by Marlène Soria, Domaine Peyre Rose now stretches across twenty-four to twenty-five hectares of vines in the hills above Saint-Pargoire, between Béziers and Montpellier, in the Languedoc. A former real estate professional, Marlène Soria began in 1980 by planting vines on her property for personal consumption, before creating one of the region’s most prestigious estates. Named “Man of the Year” by Revue du Vin de France in 1994 and praised by Robert Parker, she still personally runs the estate, guided by a philosophy rooted in patience, authenticity and respect for the terroir. The estate has practiced organic farming since its inception and stands out for the exceptionally long aging of its wines, often ten years or more before release.

The vineyard

This Vin de France comes from vines grown on the Peyrals plateau, at around two hundred and twenty meters above sea level, on clay-limestone soils. The vineyard benefits from a Mediterranean climate with continental influences, characterized by intense sunshine and regular winds. Surrounded by a natural wall of garrigue that completely isolates the estate, the vineyard is farmed under certified organic practices. Deliberately very low yields, rarely exceeding twenty hectoliters per hectare, ensure maximum juice concentration. Selective hand harvesting makes it possible to pick only grapes that have reached optimal ripeness.

The vintage

The 2013 vintage in Languedoc was marked by a cool, wet spring, with an especially cold May that delayed vine growth by around two weeks. Heavy spring rains ensured sufficient water reserves for the entire season. Flowering in June, shaped by humid conditions, affected yields, particularly for Grenache noir. A remarkable Indian summer in September and early October, with warm days, cool nights and dry northerly winds, allowed the grapes to reach optimal final ripeness. The vintage ultimately produced wines defined by fine freshness, supple tannins and overall elegance rather than sheer power.

Winemaking and aging

The Marlène N°3 2013 benefited from exceptionally prolonged aging, emblematic of the estate’s philosophy. Winemaking takes place in concrete vats, without the use of artificial air conditioning. The wine was kept in élevage for many years before release, allowing all its components to integrate harmoniously and the tannins to soften gradually. This unique approach enables the estate to release wines that have already reached optimal maturity, ready to be enjoyed immediately while still offering considerable aging potential.

Grape varieties

Syrah (65%)
Grenache noir (35%)