Winemaker Notes
The vineyard facing north-south is mainly located on the slopes of Gigondas. The soil is sandy and clay-limestone, which contributes to the balance and finesse of their wines.
It goes wonderfully with: lamb, stew, red meat, roast pigeon, omelet with porcini mushrooms or truffles, game and cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the 2020s, the 2020 Gigondas Cuvée 1806 is the usual blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that was destemmed and brought up in used barrels and tank. It has classic red and black fruits, peppery herbs, and garrigue notes in its medium-bodied, lively, elegant profile. Not yet bottled, it's clearly an outstanding wine that's loaded with Gigondas character.
Range: 90-92 -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Gigondas is much like the 2019 but a bit fresher in character, with hints of raspberries merging seamlessly into the mix of dark fruit, dried spices and chocolate. It's full-bodied and supple and long on the finish, with reverberating notes of salted licorice.
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Wine Spectator
An alluring red, with impressive fruit purity to the sweet cherry, red licorice and cassis flavors supported by a spine of iron and superfine tannins. Beautifully textured and juicy, with a backdrop of charred garrigue and smoked apple wood flavors that linger through the long finish. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2032. 5,000 cases made, 50 cases imported.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
The Southern Rhône region of Gigondas extends northwest from the notably jagged wall of mountains called the Dentelles di Montmirail, whose highest point climbs to about 2,600 feet. The region and its wines have much in common with the neighboring Chateauneuf-du-Pape except that the vineyards of Gigondas exist at higher elevation and its soils, comprised mainly of crumbled limestone from the Dentelles, often produce a more dense and robust Grenache-based red wine.
The region has a history of fine winemaking, extending back to Roman times. But by the 20th century, Gigondas was merely lumped into the less distinct zone of Côtes du Rhône Villages. However, it was first among these satellite villages to earn its own appellation, which occurred in 1971.
Gigondas reds must be between 50 to 100% Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre comprising the bulk of the remainder of the blend. They tend express rustic flavors and aromas of wild blackberry, raspberry, fig, plum, as well as juniper, dried herbs, anise, smoke and river rock. The best are bold but balanced, and finish with impressively sexy and velvety tannins.
The Gigondas appellation also produces rosé but no white wines.