On behalf of the Gigondas growers, we are excited to invite you to explore the wines of Gigondas in an exclusive Walkaround Tasting and Master Class on Monday, November 13th at Manhatta (28 Liberty St) in New York, NY.
Join us in getting to know the wines, people and terroir of Gigondas: One of the Greats of Rhône Valley Vineyards and the terroir of choice for fresh Grenache.
Once known as « Jucunditas » which in Latin means joy and jubilation, Gigondas’ destiny was to cultivate vines and make wine. For two thousand years, the region has developed authentic winemaking traditions and is the premier location for fresh, ageable Grenache that is unlike any other.
The picturesque village of Gigondas sits in the foothills of the majestic peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a small, jagged mountain chain that forms a natural amphitheater around the sandstone village, limiting the sunshine in the region and extending the ripening period. With their steep landforms rising from the plain, the Dentelles cause breezes to rise and fall, mitigating peaks in temperature. For most vines, the West/North-West aspect provides perfect airflows, wards off the excessive heat of the summer and imbues Gigondas wines with smoothness and acidity that give them excellent ageability. Gigondas boasts a myriad soil types. Extensive alluvial, either stony or bearing clay-sand soils, stretch as far as the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range, restricting erosion caused by runoff water and enabling the vineyards to dry quickly. The terroirs of this small region are marked by the omnipresence of limestone creating a Grenache with unique freshness and drinkability that combines power, elegance, and concentration, which have become its passport to success. The climate is warm and dry, with Provençal influence and is marked by stark contrasts, subjected to the heat of the summer and the strong winds of the Mistral.