Gigondas is well-known as the little sibling to Chateauneuf-de-Pape and hails from France’s Southern Rhone Valley.

An Appellation Controlee since 1971, most wines made here are red and may be no more than 80% Grenache. Some roses are made, but no white wines are produced.

And here’s a fun fact – ‘Gigondas’ has evolved from Jocunditas which was its original name when the region was under Roman rule and viticulture began.

Made from a Grenache-based blend, this wine is a medium ruby colour with light legs and a clean and youthful nose.  It has medium plus aromas of raspberry, black cherry, red plum, pomegranate and garrigue.

The palate is dry with a medium body, medium plus acidity, high alcohol and medium tannins with a small amount of grip.  The medium intense flavours include more of the same deep red fruit along with Damson plums and a herbal finish.  The finish is medium.

This WSET ‘good’ wine that was spirited to me from England by Stuart  is elegant, slender and drinking perfectly now.