On the lower reaches of the rocky limestone Dentelles du Montmirail, the higher and cooler vineyards of Gigondas can produce reds which add a welcome mineral structure to generous southern Rhône Grenache. Domaine la Font de Notre Dame’s Gigondas, made by Frédéric and Boris – the ‘Roux brothers of wine’ – is a wonderful example of why this Cru, sanctioned in 1971, is so highly regarded.
Font de Notre Dame’s Gigondas is a blend of Grenache (of course) with a small proportion of aromatic Syrah and Mourvèdre fermented in traditional 20hl concrete vats (the winery houses 8 in total). The wine is matured for 12 months in French oak before release in the regulation appellation bottle, embossed with a coat of arms featuring the 15th century hunting horn of the family of Orange (past patrons of Gigondas) and an olive branch marking the return of plots, planted after phylloxera with olive groves, to vineyards once more.
This delicious Gigondas has garrigue aromas with a slight mint note on the nose. Silky and balanced, with good fruit character and ripe tannins. 2019 is considered as one of Gigondas’ finest vintages.
