Tasting Notes
The story
Gigondas is a 'cru' from the southern Rhône, the region's top level of wine, and this wine is a typical blend of Grenache (80%), Syrah or Shiraz (15%) and Mourvèdre (5%). Grenache brings rich fruit and structure, Syrah elegance and perfume and Mourvèdre colour and herb flavours.
Domaine du Gour de Chaulé has been in the Bonfils family for four generations and is now run by Stéphanie Fumoso. Their 10 hectares comprise 23 vineyard areas or parcels all with different soils and aspects which contribute to the complexity of the wine; the vines have an average age of 55 years old, the oldest was planted by Stéphanie's great-grandfather in 1901 and this age gives the wine intensity. Currently converting to formal organic production, the domaine will be certified organic from 2020.
Read about the Rhône crus and other appellations in
my Rhône red wines blogpost.
The wine
This is a traditional Gigondas with perfumes and flavours of black and red fruits, herbs, black olives, pepper and warm spices. Tannins are rounded - part of the wine has been aged in oak, the rest in concrete tanks to preseve fruit - and the wine quite full-bodied. It is aged about 18 months before bottling and has a long, complex finish.
For a slightly more elegant style of Gigondas, try the Domaine des Pasquiers Gigondas.
Food Pairing
Drink with chicken, turkey, red meats (grilled, roasted or barbecued) especially lamb, game etc. Avoid serving it with very spicy foods as that could clash with its own spicy characteristics. The producer also recommends drinking it with duck with olives, Bresse chicken, a rustic salad, goats cheeses and with melon & strawberries in the summer.
Awards
Coup de coeur* La Revue du vin de France Jun 2017
Translated "Clean, pure fruit with a spicy perfume. Gracious and open, the palate is all about finesse and has beautiful balance thanks to the ripeness (but not excessive ripeness) of the grapes. One of the most beautiful wines of the vintage."
* this basically means they LOVED it!
