Gigondas (yes, you pronounce the ‘s’) is an appellation in France’s Southern Rhône Valley often referred to as the ‘little brother’ of better known Châteauneuf-du-Pape.   Its wines are known more for their power than their elegance and they are only allowed to make reds and rosés under the AC rules.  

The reds must have at least 80% Grenache and may be blended with Mourvèdre , Cinsault and Syrah (and other Rhône varietals except for Carignan) – which is exactly the blend on this version.

The organic Clos du Joncuas vineyards are terraced and located in the southwestern shadow of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range, just north of Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise.

We opened this wine at 9 years old (2015) and as such, the colour had shifted to a medium garnet.

The fruit is still fresh though and aromas of big fresh berries and red licorice prevail, with baking spice with dried herb.  On the palate, it is dry showing ripe tannins with medium acidity and flavours of boysenberry, loganberry, rosemary, vanilla and a load of minerality.

This wine was fermented with wild yeast in cement vats and spent 12 months in oak prior to bottling  – and it wasn’t fined or filtered.  Drinking well now – don’t age much longer if you have any.

WSET Very Good