Which wines to invest in at GIGONDAS? 

We have chosen to use the word investment, not to advise you to buy this or that bottle in order to make a capital gain in a few years' time, but rather to invest in certain estates or appellations that will be more difficult to access financially in a few years' time.

> The best Gigondas wines in stock

 

 

THE BEST KNOWN OF THE CÔTES DU RHÔNE MERIDIONAUX 

Gigondas is one of the wine-lover's staples. It is widely regarded as a powerful, well-structured wine, the "little brother" of Châteauneuf du Pape.  

  

• LES DENTELLES DE MONTMIRAIL 

Like much of the Rhône vineyards, Gigondas wines were colonized by the Roman Empire. Then, along with 5 other communes, the village of Gigondas formed the principality of Orange.  

Gigondas wines obtained their AOC status in 1971 and today cover 1,230 hectares in the commune of Gigondas alone, in the Vaucluse department. The Montmirail massif, born of the sea, is endowed with a very rich terroir. The vineyard terraces are rich in limestone, Jurassic marl, sand and, above all, clay. This geological diversity gives the wine its aromatic complexity. 

Its southern climate, with a strong Provençal influence, brings plenty of sunshine and a refreshing Mistral wind.  

 

• GRENACHE, CEPAGE KING 

Gigondas wines are known for being powerful, spicy and full of black fruit.  

Their characteristics are due to the Grenache grape, which, combined with the region's high temperatures, produces a heady, tannic, richly flavored juice.  

It can be complemented either by Syrah, which softens the Grenache by adding a little sweetness and fruitiness without being too powerful, or by Mourvèdre, which adds complexity and spice to the wines, giving them another dimension for ageing.   

Small quantities of Clairette, Terret Noir, Counoise and Picardon may be blended with these three main grape varieties.  

  

A POPULAR AOC 

The appellation enjoys a fairly popular reputation, and every wine lover has seen a bottle of Gigondas.  

Of the 1,230 hectares, you'll find 72 estates and 3 cooperative wineries, which isn't very many for an AOC of this size. And behind these figures lie some lesser-known estates of great quality. 

 

DOMAINE SAINT COSME 

Vats carved from stone.  

The Saint Cosme has been in the hands of the Barruol family since 1490, and Louis Barruol is the 15th generation of winemakers to head it.  

In addition to its distinctive architecture, the estate's vineyards are located on two geological faults, in a cold, late-ripening microclimate. As a result, the wines are fresh and full of finesse. The vines are cultivated in a sustainable manner, without the use of pesticides or weedkillers. This viticulture is the vision of Henri Barruol, Louis' father, who decided in 1972 to work his vines in this way.  

Domaine de Saint Cosme has parcels in several appellations. In Gigondas, its cuvée is 70% Grenache, topped up with Syrah and a little Mourvèdre. All aged for 12 months, including 20% in new barrels. A wonderful discovery.  

  

L'ARGNEE, PERRIN FAMILY 

A large family 

We no longer need to introduce the Perrin family, owners of Domaine de Beaucastel among others. They are one of the largest organic winegrowers in the South of France, and work to a code of conduct that the whole family has shared for 5 generations: respect for the land, artisanal viticulture and the certainty that organic farming is the best way to let the terroir express itself.  

This cuvée l'Argnée is a plot selection from the family. The vines are planted on sandy soils, giving Gigondas a remarkable suppleness. A great deal of work is carried out in the cellars to extract maximum aromas and substance.  

A confidential cuvée that you can buy with your eyes closed.

 

SANTA DUC ESTATE 

Among the greatest estates in the world. 

The estate has been in the hands of the Gras family since 1874. Six generations have succeeded one another, perpetuating the estate's reputation for pure, powerful wines. The main grape varieties of Gigondas are featured in their cuvées, but the Gras family also like to use Cinsault in their blends. Cinsault adds finesse and supple fruit.  

In 1985, Yves Gras took over from his father Edmond at the head of the estate, bringing a new dimension to the business. With the help of Robert Parker's book "The World's Greatest Estates", the estate's Gigondas wines are toured around the world. The "Les Hautes Garrigues" parcel is now known the world over for its power, complexity and minerality.  

If you can find these wines, go for it!

> The best Gigondas wines in stock