(jhee-gon-dahs) The muscleman of the Southern Rhone, Gigondas is situated right under the rugged, rocky range of the Dentelles de Montmirail - a sign of the rustic, edgy flavor found in wines from the area. The region, once a Cotes-du-Rhone village, earned its own appellation in 1971. Producing reds and roses, Gigondas creates top quality reds sometimes rivaling its southwest neighbor, Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Notable Facts

The wines of Gigondas are muscular and robust. Kind of an old-school type wine if you will. Not concentrating on being high-tech, easy-drinking or smooth, this wine is an in-your-face red, daring the consumer to try it's spicy, leathery, soulful juice. Good producers are making wines able to age for up to 10 or 15 years, although if you like robust wines, you'll love them now too. Grenache is the main grape, making up to (but not to exceed) 80% of the wine, Syrah & Mourvedre make up the majority of the extra 20%, although some other Cote-du-Rhone varietals can be found in small amounts. Rosé is seen less in the export market, but make good, spicy, dry wines.