Selected grapes of old vines of Grenache and Syrah

This cuvée is produced since 2003 from selected grapes of Grenache and Syrah. Vines are planted on the slopes of the Romane-Machotte Terroir and produce less than one bottle per plant (20-25hl/ha).

Late harvests made by hand, selection of the most ripened bunches are followed by an extreme wine-making process (vatting during 40 days) for a smooth and powerful extraction. The ageing during 24 months in barrels and big oak cask is very elegant and the finesse of the French wood is perfectly integrated, respecting and revealing the complex style, the fragrances of each grape variety.

Delicate fragrances of black fruits, spicy and peppery notes, long on the palate and smoothy tannins, a discreet and elegant woodiness.

The colour is deep and dark, the nose is very intense and complex with jammy notes of plum and fig as well as delicate fragrances of red and black fruits, laurel and leather. The length in mouth is developing at the end spicy and peppery notes.

Perfect companion for powerful dishes such as mousse of truffle, beef stew or wild boar. This wine can be laid down for 5 to 10 years. To appreciate at room temperature (17°C). Bottled unfiltered.

It is the Romans who gave its name to the village: "Jocunditas" meaning enjoyment in Latin became after times Gigondas. For two millenniums, the village down from Dentelles of Montmirail, lives mainly from its vineyards, the virtues of which Pliny the Elder (Caius Plinius Secundus) has discovered in 1st century AD. The intense religious life of the region (Avignon, Vaison la Romaine and Orange) is at the origin of the vines culture in Gigondas. In 1971 Gigondas access to the Controlled Origin Label.

The Controlled Appellation

The 1235 hectares of Gigondas appellation are planted in very old vine varieties where Grenache grapes dominate largely. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Clairette grapes follow then. Grenache grapes bring tannins, body, alcohol and strong aromas which strengthen during ageing. Syrah grapes supply intense aromas and color. They collaborate thus to a good maturation. Mourvèdre bunches with its anti oxidation power are the best counterpart of Grenache bunches.

Terroir

Gigondas' territory is formed by a series of hillsides composing the massif of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The Mediterranean climate, with a lot of wind called Mistral, is perfectly adapted for the culture of vines. The particularity of its argilo-calcareous soils contributes to the characteristics of Gigondas wines. The altitude varying from 160 to 400 meters is ideal for the production of quality wine.
Red Gigondas is a wine for ageing, very colored, robust and long which offers a rich bouquet of fines and spicy aromas. It reaches its full maturity between 4 and 10 years and sometimes even much more. Powerful and robust, ideal with games, red meats in sauce or grilled, particular cheeses...
Rosé Gigondas represents a small quantity but it is worthy of the biggest interest so much it is typical: steady color, intense aromas, long, warm and nervous in mouth.