Gigondas AOC 2023

The Gigondas AOC 2023 holds power and coolness together: a dense core, crisp acidity, dry at 13.5% Vol. A red wine that draws its warmth from altitude, not from sweetness.

Domaine d'Ouréa's five Gigondas plots lie between 400 and 520 metres on the Grand Montmirail, on the southern slope of the Dentelles de Montmirail, and thus in the appellation's highest vineyards. For every 100 metres of altitude, the temperature drops by one degree, and cool winds from the Dentelles further preserve acidity and tension. Adrien Roustan took over part of his grandfather Raymond Bertrand's vineyard in 2009 and today farms 20 hectares in Gigondas and Vacqueyras: conversion to organic farming in 2010, certification in 2012, biodynamic since 2020.

70 percent Grenache from old vines, complemented by Syrah and Cinsault. Fermented with whole clusters, without destemming, and aged exclusively in concrete tanks. No new oak, no oenological additives, only a homeopathic dose of sulphur.

Black cherry and blackberry, followed by herbs and fine spice, carried by a mineral coolness. The tannins are soft and precisely drawn, the acidity keeps the wine upright through to the long finish.

Pairs with rack of lamb with rosemary, braised aubergines with Provençal herbs and a hearty mushroom ragout. Duck breast with black olives and a pungent hard cheese also suit its structure and freshness.

The name derives from Ouréa, in Greek mythology the son of the earth mother Gaia and god of the mountains. All 18 plots of the estate are worked by hand, from pruning to harvest.