For a limited time, and arriving next week (the week of January 18th, 2021) we're offering this for $28/btl, down to $25.20/btl with a purchase of six or more. Email us to reserve your bottles today!
As an appellation, Gigondas resides in France's Southern Rhône. It's proximity to Châteauneuf-du-Pape creates a common stereotype of being "pretty close in style, but much less in price." And there are many similarities between the two regions! Both are dominated by Grenache and supplemented by several other grapes (usually Syrah and Mourvedre, though there are other lesser-known varietals legally allowed within the blend). The climate tends to be similar, though Gigondas sits at a higher elevation than Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Its soils are laced with limestone on terraces that lay around and below the Dentelles de Montmirail. These small distinctions in terroir lend to its fine-grained tannins and characteristic woodsy, garrigue aromas. Altogether, you end up with a powerful, complex, age-worthy red wine fit for all seasons (the food should dictate here - even during the warmer months, Gigondas is a match made in heaven for the grill), it's spice and forest aromas evoking comfort like a warm hug by the fire.
This particular bottling consists of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 15% Mourvedre.
Elaboration: Destemmed friut is pressed. Vinification occurs over 2 to 3 week period with regular pumping over. Aged in large oak barrels for up to 1 year.
Tasting Notes: Beautiful red with ruby tints. Wonderful quality fruit on the nose underscored by spice tones. A fairly powerful, robust wine on the palate yet with closely-integrated tannins. The finish stays very aromatic with red and black fruits and a mineral touch.
PRESS
2015 – 90 Vinous
2016 – 90-92 Wine Advocate
2017 – 90 Vinous | 90-91 James Suckling | 91-93 Wine Advocate
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Marc and Jean-Francois Arnoux are the newest generation to perpetuate their family’s long history at this traditional domaine that sits next door to the old Vacqueyras church.
The family’s history in Vacqueyras dates back to 1731, and vineyard holdings are now 41 hectares in total, with additional volume supplemented with growing partners who have supplied the family for decades.
Always rich with garrigue, Arnoux’s offerings consistently overdeliver for us, and this is a producer we’ve been working with since our early days.