Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
All Grenache that was vinified in tank and brought up in tronconique wooded tank, the 2019 Gigondas Clos Des Tourelles is up there with the top vintages of this cuvée and is well worth seeking out. Roughly 60% destemmed, it has a core of black raspberry fruit as well as lots of ground pepper, spice, violets, and floral notes in its full-bodied, ultra-fine, pure, seamless style. It’s a heavenly Gigondas that will evolve for 15-20 years if stored correctly.
-
James Suckling
Striking nose of very small red and black berries, together with powdered spice. Rich and sophisticated with a very silky and sensual texture on the palate, in spite of the dense core of fine tannins. Very long and refined finish that doesn’t want to stop. Drink or hold.
-
Wine Spectator
Closed and subdued with a winey character, this delivers sappy cherry, licorice and herbs that are all held in check by flashes of charred garrigue and still-grippy tannins. Shows savory energy and power, which drive the sleek yet firm finish. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2030. 60 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.