The Wines
Gigondas has stepped out of the shadow of neighbouring Châteauneuf du Pape, in the land where Grenache is King, they offer wines of intensity and flavour that are distinctly their own.
The wines are typically blended with smaller portions of Syrah and Mouvèdre amongst other Rhône varieties.
Blending these varieties gives the wines of Gigondas their highly nuanced, complex range. Each producer carefully crafts their wine in their own way, vinifying grape varieties separately or together, partially or totally destemmed, with maceration periods of 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the vintage and the choice of the individual grower.
The diversity of sites, soils, micro-climates and winemaking offers us a spectrum of styles from Burgundian to bold and structured.
Check out all the wines from Gigondas!
Moulin de la Gardette ‘Tradition’ 2019
Rhône Blend | Gigondas, France
Moulin de la Gardette ‘Ventabren’ 2019
Rhône Blend | Southern Rhône, France
Moulin de la Gardette ‘Ventabren’ MAGNUM 2019
Rhône Blend | Gigondas, France
Moulin de la Gardette ‘Tradition’ 2018
Rhône Blend | Gigondas, France
Moulin de la Gardette ‘Ventabren’ 2018
Rhône Blend | Southern Rhône, France
History
Gigondas is one of six village districts that for almost eight centuries formed the principality of Orange. In former times it was overseen by the capital of Carpentras, but today Gigondas retains few links with its past administrator. A few documents, fortified city walls (much of which are still visible), the vestiges of the castle and the village’s coat-of-arms emblazoned with the horn of Prince Guillaume of Orange are the remaining traces that bear witness to this past.
The name of the village in Roman times was “Jocunditas”, Latin for “Happy Town” – surely an accolade to those early winemakers!
Climate
Gigondas is subject to the region’s contrasting climate of hot summers and strong, cold, northwesterly Mistral winds. The area is hot and dry, receiving some 2,800 hours of sun a year.
The turbulent geology of the Dentelles de Montmirail, which lies at the heart of the appellation, results in the varied orientation and sun exposure of its vineyards. The sharp ridges also create a microclimate with advantageous effects on the terroir’s wines. The abrupt peaks that jut out of the plain generate updrafts and downdrafts that moderate excessive temperatures. The morning sunlight is limited by the Dentelles de Montmirail. The west–northwest orientation of the majority of the area’s vineyards keeps the vines well ventilated, protects them from excessive summer heat.
These cooling micro-climates lengthen the ripening period allowing tannins and flavours to fully develop whilst retaining acidity and keeping alcohol levels under control. Here it is possible to make wines of elegance and subtlety.
In the images below you can see the Dentelles shading a valley (left) and even a small outcrop shading a terraced vineyard (right). Click an image to enlarge🔎
Grape Varieties
The maximum permitted yield of the Gigondas appellation (36 hl/ha) is one of the lowest in France.
Grenache
Grenache is king of the grape varieties in Gigondas contributing 70-80% of the blend for the region. In Gigondas, it can be sophisticated and elegant, dare I say Burgundian in nature with long fine tannins.
Syrah
Used to a lesser extent, Syrah boosts the colour, adds richness and brings a certain aromatic intensity.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre enhances the spicy, aromatic complexity typical of Gigondas wines, adding perfume of flowers and violets, and a little structure.
Pictures courtesy of one of Gigondas great vignerons, Moulin de la Gardette.
Other Varieties
Cinsault, Clairette and a few Terret Noir, Counoise and Picardan vines are also found here.
Geology
The film 🎥 below explores a year in Gigondas. A few things to note: the use of large old oak, at around 2 minutes in you can see the shadows of the imposing Dentelles cast over a vineyard, the cooling effect has a slows ripening and in the right hands offers wines of freshness and energy. You’ll see the incredible diversity of sites from terraced hillsides to gentle slopes / flats on the plateau. Viticultural practices vary from bush vines to trellised rows.
In the film 🎥 below the geology of Gigondas is explored. The impact of soil type and shade from the Dentelles on wine styles shapes the wines of Gigondas.
Pierre Le Hongs epic exploration of the Gigondas through the Southern Rhône adds great context to the region. You’ll see how several key soil types progress through the village and just how different they are from sand to pebbles.
Where in the World is Gigondas?
Gigondas in the Southern Rhône Valley, France.
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