Gigondas

Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhone Valley of France is familiar to everyone, and Gigondas (Gigondas) is one of the 16 Crus (the most advanced villages) in the Rhone Valley. It is also cost-effective and has the most potential The new star of the Rhone Valley! Initially, Gigondas Gigondas wines belonged to the Rhone Valley (Rhone Valley) village level (Cotes-du-Rhone Villages). However, in 1971, it received its own AOC certification, becoming the first appellation in the Rhône Valley to receive the title "Cru". Famous local Chateau de Saint Cosume was called  "Le Pin of Gigodas", La Tete, Domaine Paillere et Pied-Gu and Domaine les Goubert.

【Terroir of Gigondas】

Gigondas is located between three towns ( Carpentras, Orange and Vaison-La-Romaine), about 17 kilometers from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a total of 1,228 hectares of grapes The Dentelles de Montmirail mountains are the shelters of these vineyards. The soil here was formed 2 billion years ago on a bed of gray limestone. Mountains are the greatest influencer on the microclimate of a vineyard, creating a unique terroir for each vineyard. Gigondas is influenced by the Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers. Fortunately, the local terrain is changeable, and the Mistral wind prevailing in the Rhone Valley can bring a little coolness to the vineyards. The variety of soils is the main factor for the colorful characteristics of Gigondas wines. The vineyards here are located on the hillside, showing terraced fields, and the soil is mainly red clay and alluvial gravel, with good drainage. In addition, Jurassic gray limestone, black clay, heavy clay, green sandstone, clayey stucco soil and early chalk are also distributed in Gigondas. The richness of the soil types combined with the privileged location gives the wines of Gigondas an elegant and complex character. Grapes can ripen fully.

【 Grape varieties of Gigondas】

Grenache is the dominant variety in Gigondas and has great aging potential. However, according to the regulations of the producing area, the wine here can only contain up to 80% Grenache, and the rest is mainly composed of Syrah and Mourvedre, with a minimum composition ratio of 15%. Garnet red with a hint of spice. In addition, the legal grape varieties of the Côtes du Rhône can be used to make Gigondas wines except Carignan, such as Cinsault, Clairette, Terret Noir , Counoise and Picarda, etc., the proportion of these wines does not exceed 10%.

【Style of Gigondas wine】

Gigondas wines are famous for their rich and concentrated flavors, balanced and elegant structure, comparable to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and their aromas are even more intense and fresh. Styles vary widely. Red wine accounts for 99% of the total production. These wines are full of rich fruit aromas, such as cherry, etc., and can develop a variety of aromas with age. The other 1% is pink wine, and no white wine is produced. The minimum local alcohol requirement is 12.5%. High-quality Gigondas wines are full-bodied with a hint of meat. The fruit flavors are mainly plums and figs, while the spices are mainly white pepper, thyme and fennel. The aroma is quite rich and complex, ranging from fresh It has everything from red fruit to rich black fruit, and after aging in oak barrels, it can develop more subtle earthy flavors, such as truffles, with occasional sparkles of fresh roses. However, such high-quality Gigondas wines account for only 1% of the total production, but their elegant and charming fruit aromas and apricots flavors, as well as their generous and elegant tannins are very memorable. Gigondas wines are best paired with stewed beef, lamb stew, peppered steak (Au Poivre) and other red meat dishes. Its aromas and tannins full of various spices complement the fusion of spices and fat of the dishes.

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