Domaine du Gour de Chaule 2020 'Cuvee Tradition' Gigondas AOC

Item Number: 19245

UPC: 0-855152001692

Country: France
Region: Rhone
Sub Region: Southern Rhone
Appellation/AVA: Gigondas AOC
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2020
Grape(s): 80% Grenache / 10% Syrah / 10% Mourvedre
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Limestone clay and sands

Vineyard Notes: There are several important vineyard sites that form the base of this Gigondas including Gour de Chaulé, Les Blaches, and Les Bousquets. The average age of the Grenache vines planted within these plots is 65 years (as of 2020). Production levels generally average 30 to 32 hectoliters per hectare.

Winemaking Notes: The grapes are harvested manually and are never destemmed. The grapes macerate for three weeks during fermentation. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank. After the malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine is racked into large oak foudres where it stays for approximately 18 months. The wine is racked no more than three times before it is bottled unfined and unfiltered 30 to 36 months after harvest. New oak is not used at this domaine.

Tasting Notes: The resulting wine is sturdy, braced with dusty tannins, and intensely aromatic with notes of crushed white pepper, oriental spices and game. Pair with grilled or roasted red meats, duck with olives, country salad, goats cheese, and melon and strawberries in the summer months.

Reviews

  • Vinous
    Rating: 96 (1/19/2023)
    Assertively perfumed, mineral-tinged red berry, cherry, lavender and incense scents show outstanding clarity and spicy lift. Concentrated yet lively black raspberry, cherry-cola, succulent herb and floral pastille flavors pick up a hint of spicy white pepper on the back half. The floral and red fruit notes shine on the strikingly long finish, featuring polished tannins and reverberating spice and mineral notes.
  • Decanter
    Rating: 94 (4/10/2022)
    (Top Value) Considerably more interesting on the nose than many Gigondas this year, revealing raspberry, cranberry and oregano herbs. Full-bodied, but a fairly restrained tannic structure. Pure and harmonious, the alcohol is quite raised but otherwise the balance is good. The fruit was taken from 23 parcels around the appellation, hand-harvested, natural yeast used; matured in concrete, foudres and old barriques. A good value option.