Winemaker Notes
Les Garrigues is a 2.5 hectare plot of 100 year old Grenache vines located in the village of Courthézon and just outside the boundary of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The soils here are a fine, pebbly, red clay covered with gnarled, mistral-blown vines. In terms of terroir is is more classically Châteauneuf than Côtes-du-Rhône and the Garrigues is made in a similar fashion as the estates Châteauneufs – 25% wholce cluster fermentation in oak vats, a 21 day maceration and daily, manual pigeage followed by aging in foudre.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Also bottled in March, the 2017 Côtes Du Rhône Les Garrigues is always all Grenache (from the same terroir as the Terre d'Argile) brought up in foudre and a small amount in demi-muid. It has a terrific Grenache nose of kirsch, crushed rocks, white flowers, pepper, and spice. Rich, medium to full-bodied, elegant, and silky on the palate, it's still tight and closed, yet is packed with potential. Give bottles 3-4 years and it's going to knock your socks off. Rating: 93+
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James Suckling
A parcel of old-vine grenache (70 years) that has a super fragrant array of fine spices, herbs and notes of wild berries, blood oranges and spice. The palate is very juicy and plush with a sleek and vibrant web of tannin. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 100% Grenache 2017 Cotes du Rhone Les Garrigues was aged mostly in foudre, with 20% put into demi-muids. Black cherries and licorice mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is supremely supple, verging on creamy in texture. Hints of earth and dried spices chime in on the long, silky finish. It should drink well for at least another 3-4 years.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.