Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Gigondas Clovis Saurel, which is all Grenache, is the only wine here to see aging in demi-muids, which gives this just a hint of toasty oak in its aromatics. This will no doubt integrate with just a handful of years in the cellar. Deep ruby/purple-hued, with gorgeous notes of kirsch liqueur, strawberries, flowers, and Provençal spices, it's another opulent, hedonistic 2020 with balance, purity, structure, and elegance. This brilliant expression of pure Grenache will evolve for 15+ years. Best After 2023
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
In top vintages, Romain Saurel puts aside a small volume of old-vine Grenache for aging in new demi-muids. The 2020 Gigondas Clovis Saurel went into Chassin, which Saurel says helps keep more freshness in the wine. It shows a burst of red fruit up front, backed by delicate herb shadings and framed by vanilla and cedar notes. Full-bodied yet not overly heavy, with a long, softly tannic finish, it's a balanced, gently oaky expression of Gigondas that should have wide appeal.
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.