Selection of old vines of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre

Sorting the best berries is possible only by hand picking when the tasting gives it final start about mid October, a long time after the rest of the vineyard. Traditional vatting for Grenache and Syrah, high temperature and long carbonic maceration for Mourvèdre display the unbelievable roundness and power of this grape.
Once the blend is finally made, the wine is aged in high quality wooden barrels from the Allier region selected for its finesse, and in big 100 hl oak casks to soften the structure and the tannins. The bottling is unfiltered.

Alliance of black fruits and spices, with a long persistance...

Fragrances of black fruits (black currant and blackberry) and red fruits cooked with vanilla (raspberry, strawberry) together with toasted flavours of thyme, laurel and black olives. Powerful tannins are filling the mouth with delicate liquorice and peppery notes. An astonishing balance of complexity, power and roundness. The perfect companion for wild boar and games in sauce, cheese....

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.