Grenache & Syrah, delicately aged

Early in October, the hand picking starts under the still vigorous sunshine of the Fall when the berries just start to be perfectly ripened. The cuvaison is long (about 30 days) in order to extract only the best from each variety, in respect of the spirit and the tradition of the family. This cuvée is aged partly in two year-old barrels and partly in oak casks, during 12 to 15 months. This ageing brings a subtle natural oxygenation along with a round and tasty structure.

Notes of garrigues & red fruits, along with a round and tasty struture

Plum marmalade, vanilla and blackcurrant highlight the finesse of the soft tannins. On the finish, scents of thyme, laurel and rosemary reveal an original and aromatic bouquet ending on a spicy persistency (black pepper).
Appreciate on a beef stew with a Rosemary blade, try the match with a vanilla ice cream with its strawberry purée. Drink it now or within the next 5 years.

Bottled unfiltered in engraved Gigondas bottles and magnums.

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.