Vignerons de Caractère Domaine de la Maurelle Gigondas

Gigondas is an appellation located in the Southern Rhône region of France and is considered to be a “little brother” of the famed Châteauneuf-du-Papes AOC. What that translates to is a wine of superior quality at a lower price than its older brothers. With medium tannins and soft fruit on the palate, this Gigondas features the best qualities of the Rhône region. The reddish purple color suggests the elegance of the Côtes du Rhône, and the body is perfectly balanced with hints of spicebox and a touch of heaviness in the mouthfeel. In the end, despite all comparisons, this expression of the Gigondas appellation stands on its own.

The top finisher in our February blind French wine tasting! Bold, with complex notes of cured meat, cherry liqueur, forest floor, baking spice, and mineral. A “teeth-licking” good wine!

Gigondas has the reputation of being a sort of country cousin to the more sophisticated Chateauneuf-du-Pape. However, for speculative wine lovers, Gigondas can provide wines of fascinating complexity and great value. This rustic, traditional Rhone has hints of tobacco and dried herbs mingle with briary blackberry and plum fruits. A satisfying, medium-bodied red designed to complement almost any cuisine with its array of ripe fruit and savory spice.