Definition: Gigondas AOC

Its red wines are among the most underrated in the Côtes du Rhône! They offer an intense black-red colour and a full, fleshy palate. Appellation from the southern Côtes du Rhône region. Production area located at the foot and on the slopes of the famous Dentelles de Montmirail, about twenty kilometres south of Vaison-La-Romaine, more precisely within the boundaries of the commune of Gigondas in the department of Vaucluse. Classified as an AOC cru in 1971. Area under production: just over 1,310 hectares. Black grape varieties: Carignan (maximum 10% for rosé wines and maximum 25% for red wines), Grenache (maximum 80%), Mourvèdre (minimum 15%), Syrah (minimum 15%) and other black grape varieties from the Côtes du Rhône appellation. Mostly vinified as rosé (4%) and red wine. Can be stored: rosé should be drunk young; red wine can be stored for 10 years or more. Ideal serving temperature: between 8 and 10°C for white and rosé wines; between 15 and 16°C for red wines. Pair with: rosé with grilled meats or charcuterie, with or without raw vegetables; red wine with braised leg of lamb, stuffed guinea fowl, duck à l'orange, guinea fowl fricassee with apples, roast pigeon with thyme and rosemary, Provençal stew, hare stew, saddle of wild boar or pheasant with pears.