Blend: Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre
From: Gigondas, France
Taste: Comprising Cinsault (50%), Grenache, and Mourvèdre, this rosé displays a brilliant color palette of pink and rose - this vintage attains a much deeper pink hue with more skin contact than previous vintages. The palate leads to an enticing bouquet and flavors reminiscent of freshly crushed strawberries and strawberry compote with nice baking spices.
Pairing: The 2022 Domaine Gour de Chaulé Gigondas .26 Rosé is a gastronomic wine that can effortlessly complement an entire meal. Its depth and texture, with a spicy touch, make it an excellent pairing for summer dishes. This rosé harmonizes wonderfully with salmon in soy sauce, grilled lobster, red mullet, and white meats such as thyme-marinated chicken. Additionally, it beautifully accompanies grilled or barbecued vegetables.
Salty-Sweet Salmon and Spicy Cucumber Salad
Recipe from David Myers
Adapted by Amanda Hesser
About. The 2022 Domaine Gour de Chaulé Gigondas .26 Rosé is a delightful offering from the renowned winemakers of Domaine Gour de Chaulé, located in the heart of the Gigondas village. This esteemed winery has a rich history that dates back to 1900 when it was founded by Eugène Bonfils, the great-grandfather of the current proprietor, Stéphanie Fumoso.
Traditionally, the estate sold its wine in bulk to negociants until 1970 when Madame Rolande Beaumet, Eugene's daughter and Stéphanie's grandmother, began bottling a small portion of the wine for private clients. Since then, the tradition of estate bottling has expanded significantly under the leadership of Aline Bonfils, Stéphanie's mother, who believes strongly in Grenache as the heart and soul of Gigondas. This philosophy has been passed down to Stéphanie, who now carries the torch of the domaine.
Spanning 15 hectares, with 10 hectares located within Gigondas and the remaining 5 hectares in the surrounding communes of Vacqueyras and Violes, the domaine showcases the diversity of terroir and exposure through its 23 plots. The vineyards, with an average age of 55 years, yield low quantities between 26 and 32 hectoliters per hectare. This is a result of dedicated work that prioritizes vine and environmental preservation.
The Domaine Gour de Chaulé Rosé, previously known as 'Amour de Rose,' is crafted using the direct press method. The juice is separated from the skins after 6 to 9 hours of contact and then undergoes fermentation. Afterward, the wine undergoes cold stabilization and is bottled in early spring the following year. Only a limited quantity of this wine is produced each year, with approximately 1,200 bottles available for the US market.
The winemaking philosophy at Domaine Gour de Chaulé emphasizes minimal intervention, both in the vineyards and the cellar, to preserve the essence of the wines. Notably, the red wines are made from grapes that are not destemmed, a crucial approach in delivering the classic character of Gigondas.
The estate practices certified organic farming, as validated by Ecocert, and utilizes copper-sulfate treatments exclusively. Annual ploughing is performed to maintain the vineyard's health, and the vines, trained in the Gobelet style, boast an average age of 55 years. Yields are controlled through pruning, debudding, and green harvesting, with an average range of 28 to 32 hectoliters per hectare. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, usually taking place in late September, and the estate exclusively uses its own grapes.
With its rich history, commitment to terroir, and meticulous winemaking techniques, the 2022 Domaine Gour de Chaulé Gigondas .26 Rosé is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Bonfils family. Savor this exquisite rosé, which encapsulates the flavors and essence of the Gigondas appellation.
