This Gigondas Les Crus du Sud comes from the lower reaches of the rocky limestone Dentelles du Montmirail, the higher and cooler vineyards of Gigondas, which can produce reds which add a welcome mineral structure to generous southern Rhône Grenache.
This highly-regarded Cru was sanctioned in 1971. One of the higher southern Rhône appellations (along with Vaqcueras and Beaumes de Venise) Gigondas was, in 1971, the first Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation to be awarded Cru status. Its vineyards rise from the Ouvèze river to the west, the Trignan to the north and up the rocky ridges of the Dentelles de Montmirail (to the East and South) to an altitude of 500m. Soils vary greatly but can be broadly grouped as limestone scree over marl (as in the Roux’s vineyards), various sandstones and clays on the mid-slopes and gravel stones and alluvial silt towards the river-bank. Grapes mature more slowly and the harvest is later than other appellations; the extra time being highly suited Gigondas’ dominant variety of Grenache Noir.
Eric Monin’s team have produced a wine which is a blend of Grenache with a small proportion of aromatic Syrah and Mourvèdre – fermented in traditional 20hl concrete vats. 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.
The wine shows lovely garrigue aromas, a slight mint note. Silky and balanced with powerful and fresh red fruits notes.
