Gigondas

Just a mere 10 miles northeast of CdP lies Gigondas, a quaint and rustic appellation on the rise and described as a “mini” CdP.  The geography of the area, however, is a bit different with significant elevations and a jagged limestone outcropping that reaches 2600 feet at its zenith.  The soils are a blend of decomposed limestone at higher elevations and mixed with alluvial soils down below.

The traditional wines of Gigondas has tended toward big, rustic wines with muscular tannins, a long maceration and very little destemming prior to fermentation.  More recently, some newer generation producers have created wines with dark fruit, fine grained tannins and a perfumy and mineral driven finish.  Many of the wines will sport a hint of black tea, mesquite and iron notes.  As with CdP, the predominant grape here is Grenache with Syrah and Mouvedre in the supporting role.  No greater than 10% of the total can be from white grapes.  There are no whites.  This appellation has a reputation of producing underrated wines, sometimes at a more affordable price than CdP.