Gigondas appellation, Cru of the Côtes du Rhône
Gigondas benefits from an exceptional situation with its diversity of terroirs and parcels that extend to the heights of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains.
Rosé wines from the Gigondas appelation
The Gigondas rosé represents today a small production for the appellation (about 1%) but it deserves the greatest interest because it is outstanding for its richness in the mouth and characterized by the northern and fresh soil of Gigondas. It was traditionally done using the saignée technique. With a deep colour and intense aromas, it is persistent, warm and nervous on the palate.
The sommelier's advice
Red Gigondas, a prestigious Rhône Valley cru, is a wine to keep, very colourful, full-bodied and long. It offers a rich bouquet with fine and spicy aromas. It reaches full maturity between 4 and 10 years and sometimes even much longer. Powerful and full-bodied, it is ideal with game, red meat in sauce or grilled, some cheeses….
History of Gigondas
It is the Romans who gave its name to the village: “Jocunditas” meaning enjoyment in Latin became after times Gigondas. For two millenniums, the village down from Dentelles of Montmirail, lives mainly from its vineyards, the virtues of which Pliny the Elder (Caius Plinius Secundus) has discovered in 1st century AD. The intense religious life of the region (Avignon, Vaison la Romaine and Orange) is at the origin of the vines culture in Gigondas. In 1971 Gigondas access to the Controlled Origin Label.
The Controlled Appellation
The 1235 hectares of Gigondas appellation are planted in very old vine varieties where Grenache grapes dominate largely. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Clairette grapes follow then. Grenache grapes bring tannins, body, alcohol and strong aromas which strengthen during ageing. Syrah grapes supply intense aromas and color. They collaborate thus to a good maturation. Mourvèdre bunches with its anti oxidation power are the best counterpart of Grenache bunches.
Terroir
Gigondas’ territory is formed by a series of hillsides composing the massif of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The Mediterranean climate, with a lot of wind called Mistral, is perfectly adapted for the culture of vines. The particularity of its argilo-calcareous soils contributes to the characteristics of Gigondas wines. The altitude varying from 160 to 400 meters is ideal for the production of quality wine.
Red Gigondas is a wine for ageing, very colored, robust and long which offers a rich bouquet of fines and spicy aromas. It reaches its full maturity between 4 and 10 years and sometimes even much more. Powerful and robust, ideal with games, red meats in sauce or grilled, particular cheeses…
Rosé Gigondas represents a small quantity but it is worthy of the biggest interest so much it is typical: steady color, intense aromas, long, warm and nervous in mouth.
