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Gigondas

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Gigondas
As early as the 12th century, religious orders presided over the expansion of vine-growing in Gigondas. The Gigondas appellation d'origine contrôlée is one of six local appellations in the southern Côtes-du-Rhône region, recognized by decree in 1971. Its production zone, covering some 1,200 hectares, is located in the commune of Gigondas, in the Vaucluse region, a magnificent village clinging to the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail to the east and overlooking the Ouvèze valley to the west.

The Gigondas appellation enjoys a strict Mediterranean climate, with cooler variations according to altitude: the mistral wind cleans the vineyards, rainfall is very seasonal and temperatures are very hot in summer. The topography of the Gigondas area features stony soils on the ancient Ouvèze terraces, and sandy soils on molasse and calcareous colluvium on marl on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The terroir is magnificently exploited by estates such as Domaine des Pallières, Maison M. Chapoutier, Domaine des Bosquets, Domaine Tardieu Laurent, Maison Perrin et Fils and E.Guigal.

Gigondas wines are made from Grenache noir (limited to 80%), Syrah and Mourvèdre (with a minimum of 15%), with yields limited to 34 hectolitres per hectare. The appellation produces deep, well-balanced, full-bodied red wines, as well as heady, generous, deep-colored rosés with marked aromas of almond and stewed fruit.

Gigondas: presentation and characteristics

Gigondas is an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) wine, produced exclusively in the commune of the same name. Gigondas is a typical medium-altitude village in the Vaucluse region. Its vineyards, nestled in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail, offer superb views. The Gigondas estates cover 1,200 hectares. The terroir benefits from a hot, dry Mediterranean climate and frequent mistral winds. The soil on which the vines grow, limestone on one side and sandy-clay with pebbles on the other, brings real potential to Gigondas wines. Reds account for 98% of production, rosés for 2%. The main grape variety used for both red and rosé winemaking is Grenache noir. Its proportion, usually no more than 50%, can rise to as much as 80%, depending on the appellation. Syrah and Mourvèdre, two grape varieties commonly used in this region, complete the picture. 

For the remainder, a maximum tolerance of 10% of another grape variety specific to the Côtes du Rhône, with the exception of Carignan, is accepted. Grenache, perfectly adapted to the local climate, gives this wine its distinctive character. Comparisons are sometimes made between Gigondas and the geographically close Châteauneuf-du-Pape. However, Gigondas has its own distinctive character, and some exceptional vintages are more affordable than Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Tasting and storing Gigondas

When tasting Gigondas, as with any other wine, the following three points are analyzed: visual, olfactory and taste.

The eye, or sight:

- For the red: the garnet-red color is dark and sustained. It is reminiscent of ink, with violet highlights. With maturity, the red wine can take on a pleasant, tile-like hue. The wine is dense and concentrated,
- For the rosé, the garnet hue is equally strong.

Nose:

- Red wine: the first nose brings fruity notes of red fruit. The second nose evokes aromas of coffee, cocoa and licorice. Animal nuances appear in older wines,
- Rosé wine: red fruit aromas, with hints of hazelnut and toasted almond, reveal the originality of these wines.

Mouth:

- Reds: young wines are powerful, particularly full-bodied. Their strength and robustness will delight tannin lovers. Long-keeping wines gain in smoothness,
- Rosés: rather heady and elegant, they offer good structure and depth on the palate, giving them undeniable freshness.

Food and wine pairing :

- Red wine goes perfectly with meats in sauce such as daube à la provençale, game dishes, blue-veined or semi-aged cheeses (St Marcellin, St Félicien...),
- Rosé goes wonderfully well with aperitifs, whether vegetarian or containing seafood. Serve it with bouillabaisse, bourride or pasta carbonara.

To bring out the best in Gigondas red wines, which are full-bodied and tannic, it is strongly recommended that they be kept for some time. In fact, its strength, combined with its fairly high alcohol content, enables it to be kept well, despite its rather limited acidity.


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Dauvergne Ranvier - Gigondas Grand Vin 2022

2*Coup de Coeur Hachette

aromatic
long finish
beef tenderloin

"A Gigondas that calls for sharing".

"Powerful, infused with dark berries and malty notes, the singular nose bears the hallmark of 18 months' barrel ageing. This is reflected in a full-bodied, heady, well-structured palate, tautened by a fine saline note that retains just the right amount of freshness. A promising balance that doesn't forget gourmandise, as is often the case with this inspired wine merchant". (Le Guide Hachette 2025)

Xavier Vignon - Gigondas 2019

Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5

4.1/5 (8 reviews)

93/100 Robert Parker

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16,5+/20 Jancis Robinson

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92/100 Vinous

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90-92/100 Jeb Dunnuck

grenache
vibrating
cep risotto
old vines

"All the beauty of Gigondas' exceptional terroirs in one bottle".

"Swirls of dark raspberry ice cream and dark chocolate combine in Vignon's 2019 Gigondas [...]. Aged in a large wooden vat, there are no overt oak aromas or flavors, just the purity of old-vine fruit, creamy tannins, great concentration and a bright, vibrant, long finish. With its combination of intensity and tension, it should drink well for a decade or more." (Wine Advocate 2020)

Moulin de la Gardette - Gigondas Ventabren 2021

16,5/20 Jancis Robinson

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91-93/100 Vinous

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92/100 Decanter

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90/100 Jeb Dunnuck

elegant
long-keeping wine
Gem

"Haute couture Gigondas with incredible fruitiness and beautiful acidity!"

"Sparkling ruby red. Clear aromas of cherry, raspberry and lavender are accompanied by a touch of spicy white pepper. Soft and lively on the palate, it offers juicy flavors of red fruit and spice cake, as well as a deeper sensation of candied licorice. The finish is savory and impressively long, with a spicy resonance and soft, slowly developing tannins." (Vinous 2023). A complex red combining finesse and character!

Moulin de la Gardette - Gigondas Tradition 2021

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5/5 (1 review)

90-92/100 Jeb Dunnuck

-

90-92/100 Vinous

spicy
structured
charmer

"Tradition is good with this cuvée of red fruits and pepper!"

"I always love wines from this estate and the Gigondas Tradition 2021, a classic wine, should be exceptional. With pretty strawberries and assorted red fruits, some peppery garrigue and floral notes, medium body and ripe, polished tannins, it shows the elegant, supple side of the vintage and will drink nicely straight from the bottle." (Jeb Dunnuck 2023)

Pierre Amadieu - Gigondas Le Pas de l'Aigle 2021

93/100 Jeb Dunnuck

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92-94/100 Vinous

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92/100 Bettane & Desseauve

complete
concentrate
long-keeping wine

"Royal with its deep notes of spice and black fruit!"

"Gigondas Le Pas De L'Aigle 2021, the flagship of this formidable domaine, is almost entirely Grenache (with 10% Syrah) and benefits from longer ageing in foudre. This beauty has a gorgeous nose of ripe black raspberries, blackberries, sandalwood and Provençal garrigue. Although in the fresher, medium-bodied style of the vintage, it has tremendous mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins and an excellent finish. The 2021 vintage in Gigondas couldn't be better, and this wine has plenty of appeal today, but will evolve well for a good decade." (Jeb Dunnuck 2023)

Domaine Raspail-Ay - Gigondas 2021

Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5

4.3/5 (9 reviews)

93-95/100 Vinous

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93/100 Decanter

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91-93/100 Robert Parker

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91-93/100 Jeb Dunnuck

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16+/20 Jancis Robinson

powerful
freshness
finesse
beef bourguignon

"Intensity and complexity in your glass!"

"Deep, brilliant ruby red. Aromas of raspberry, cherry and flowers are complemented by notes of botanical herbs and white pepper. On the palate, it's pleasantly smooth and energetic, with intense flavors of red fruit, lavender and spice cake. Silky, tightly-knit tannins frame a smooth finish with impressive length that leaves behind hints of red fruit liqueur and floral notes." (Vinous 2023)

Domaine Brusset - Gigondas Les Hauts de Montmirail 2022

94+/100 Jeb Dunnuck

-

16,5/20 Jancis Robinson

spicy
structured
chocolate
grilled meat

"A flagship vintage

"A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre, Gigondas Les Hauts De Montmirail 2022 comes from high-altitude terraces and limestone soils. Aromas of darker berries, leather, graphite, camphor, violets and hints of spring flowers define the flavors, and the palate is medium to full-bodied, with a tight, concentrated and incredibly pure style. It shines with incredible purity and elegance and should gain some weight and richness with 3-5 years of cellaring." (Jeb Dunnuck 2023)

M. Chapoutier - Gigondas Les Jocasses 2022

91/100 Vinous

grenache
spicy
structured
persistent

"A great success

"Gigondas Jocasses 2022 offers intense aromas of spice box, black cherry and strawberry, complemented by hints of garrigue. A medium-bodied wine, concentrated and juicy." (Vinous 2023). A beautifully structured cuvée with a very pleasant bouquet.

Alain Jaume - Gigondas Terrasses de Montmirail 2020

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5/5 (1 review)

1*Étoile Hachette

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91/100 Vinous

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89/100 James Suckling

grenache
balanced
finesse
game

"A balanced, gourmet Gigondas".

"A metronome's consistency for this cuvée born of Grenache (80%), Syrah (15%) and a touch of Mourvèdre. The jury appreciated its clean, typical expression of Zan, dark berries and toasted aromas. Finesse, suppleness and caressing, the palate unfurls notes of blackcurrant paste, underpinned by soft tannins and discreet woodiness with accents of dried fruit. A well-balanced, gourmet Gigondas, very much in keeping with its vintage". (Le Guide Hachette 2023).

Famille Perrin - Gigondas La Gille 2021

93/100 James Suckling

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16/20 Jancis Robinson

spicy
silky
elegant
black fruits

"A racy Gigondas!

"A well-crafted Gigondas with wild strawberries, redcurrants, raspberries, herbs and baking spices on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Harmonious and well composed, with a lively, peppery, evolving finish." (James Suckling 2023)

E. Guigal - Gigondas 2020

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (4 reviews)

92/100 James Suckling

-

91-93/100 Robert Parker

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16+/20 Jancis Robinson

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90-92/100 Jeb Dunnuck

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90/100 RVF

spicy
powerful
balanced
simmered meat

"Here's an excellent introduction to Gigondas, with the richness and spice, as well as the ample tannins we've come to expect from this appellation. The finish is long and well-structured, with excellent balance. A cuvée of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre aged entirely in oak foudre. To enjoy or to keep. (James Suckling 2023)

Clos Léopold - Gigondas 2021

balanced
ample
Gem

"A vintage not to be missed!

From hillside plots at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the vineyards of this Gigondas are nestled in an unspoilt environment bathed in wind and sunshine. A Gem in a resolutely modern, fine style. Balanced, full-bodied, round and long, the tannins are fine and elegant. Enjoy now with duck parmentier or lamb confit.

Domaine Santa Duc - Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille 2019

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (1 review)

94/100 Wine Spectator

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17+/20 Jancis Robinson

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92/100 Jeb Dunnuck

balanced
purity
long finish
simmered meat

"Great bottle to pave!"

"There's a lovely purity here, displaying blackcurrant core and plum reduction notes, while light licorice, apple wood and red tea notes run along the edges. It has a savory touch on the finish, with a subtle minerality that gives it length." (Wine Spectator 2022)

Domaine Santa Duc - Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits 2019

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (4 reviews)

94/100 Wine Spectator

-

92/100 Jeb Dunnuck

-

17,5/20 Jancis Robinson

floral
elegant
peppery
red meat

"A must-see

"This wine has a fun mix of cassis, cherry paste and raspberry coulis, while accents of red licorice, toasted apple wood and tar round things out. Full-bodied and energetic from start to finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault." (Wine Spectator 2022)

Xavier Vignon - Gigondas Arcane IX L'Hermite 2016

Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5

3.8/5 (6 reviews)

94/100 Jeb Dunnuck

-

93/100 Robert Parker

spicy
silky
elegant

"From steeper slopes, the Gigondas 2016 Arcane L'Hermite is 80% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, Muscardin and Picpoul Noir that aged in a submerged barrel. This is another fine wine from Xavier, with plenty of blackberries, spices, dried Provence herbs and silty soil. It's elegant, fluid and silky, with a beautiful purity." (Jeb Dunnuck)