Famille Ligneres

The family of Domaine Ligneres has a history in wine dating back to the sixteenth century. But it was in 1957 that Andre (a doctor) and Suzette (a pharmacist)  Ligneres bought the estate. Today, their sons, Jean and Paul, look after the estate.

The Famille Ligneres estate is located just 40 km from the Mediterranean coast in the Languedoc between Narbonne and Carcassonne. In their vineyards, use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers is avoided; yields are low; and the grapes are harvested by hand. The family's priority is to respect the natural ecosystem and to keep the soils alive. As a result, their vines blossom, and wonderful grapes are grown.

In 2002, wine specialist Richard Marlowe introduced the Ligneres to one of Italy's leading winemakers, Stefano Chioccioli. His extraordinary nose and respect for the estate's identity won the family over. Today, Stefano makes the wines.

Mr. Chioccioli is best known for his work in Tuscany. He produces such as wines as Redigaffi, Tua Rita's wonderful Merlot. And, he also crafts the Brunellos di Montalcino from Fanti. Stefano's primary concern is always the vineyards: achieving perfectly ripe grapes that can then be transformed into wines that represent the maximum expression of their terroir.

The Aric and La Baronne from Domaine Ligneres are perfect examples of great wines at affordable prices. I had the La Baronne last night with dinner, and I thought it was a delicious, easy-drinking wine. Not overly complex, but just a pleasant, "everyday" red which pairs well with many foods. My husband set up a rotisserie on our grill, and roasted a chicken which was outstanding.  I made big steak fries from Idaho potatoes, which I seasoned and also cooked on the grill. La Baronne was the perfect match for our meal!

And, the Aric was #18 on The Wine Enthusiast's "Top 100 Wines of 2007 List", with a 92 Pt. rating.

These wines are a great representation of "value"!

Domaine Ligneres La Baronne 2003 An estate-grown blend of Carignan, Grenache and Mourvedre. This savory wine will please Rhone fans with its deep, earthy flavors of red plum and pleasing mineral notes. It's well-balanced and excellent with a wide range ... more BN#246162 $11.99 On Sale $8.99 SKU02465

Domaine Ligneres Aric 2003 This much-coveted wine was No. 18 on Wine Enthusiast list of "Top 100 Wines of 2007"!  more BN#224840 $19.99 On Sale $16.99 SKU01673