Guigal Gigondas 2010

From old vines (averaging 40 years) in the southern Rhône planted to the Gigondas slopes of red clay topped with gravel, this is archetypal in every way floral and spice on the top of the nose, fresh blackberries and a bouquet of garrigue. The palate is rife with garrigue driven Grenache which makes of 65% of the blend that might also contribute these apricot tannins (which is refreshing on a red wine, all those earthen floral top notes from the 25% Mourvèdre add a whole new dimension, and a deeper black pepper core heralds raspy blackberries and ripe plums from the 10% Syrah –especially prominent on the finish. All these come together during their two years in French oak foudres of which 50% are new. Really special –especially this stone fruit nuance –it almost makes me takes me to those Shiraz/Viognier blends I love so much.
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, September 2013

Food Pairings

Steaks, pasta with meat sauces, sausages the spicier the better. Barbecued ribs or chicken. Burgers and brats.