Gigondas AOC

Infobox Wine Region
name = Gigondas AOC


official name = Gigondas
other name =
type = Appellation d'origine contrôlée
year =
wine years =
country = France
part of = Southern Rhone
similar = Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras, Lirac
sub regions =
season =
climate region = Mediterranean climate
heat units =
precipitation =
soil =
total size =
planted = 1230 hectares
vineyards =
grapes = Grenache Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault
varietals =
wineries =
wine produced = 41,250 hl
designation =
comments =

Gigondas is a French wine "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" (AOC) in the southern Rhône wine region of France. It is primarily a Red wine region with a small amount of rosé wine produced. Being a little brother of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the wine is moderately prestigeous and can yield beautiful results when treated with care. [Niels Lillelund: "Rhône-Vinene" JP Bøger - JP/Politikens Forlagshus A/S, 2004. ISBN 87-567-7140-1, p. 151-161]

History

The name of the appellation is of roman origin. "Jocunditas" means great pleasure and enjoyment in latin with the town being founded as a recreational site for the soldiers from the roman Second Legion. The finding of a Bacchus-head indicates that wine was already grown at this time. Later the fields went to the church and later yet, one finds the Prince of Orange to be a large land owner in the area.As early as 1894 the wines from the region won a gold medal at the agricultural fair in Paris. But until the beginning of World War II, the wines were used as reinforcement to thin Burgundies.In 1956, a bitter winter caused the production of wine to experience a renaissance, as the olive trees had died from the cold. In 1971 the appellation left the other Côtes du Rhône-Villages behind, and became a proper appellation in its own right. [Niels Lillelund: "Rhône-Vinene" JP Bøger - JP/Politikens Forlagshus A/S, 2004. ISBN 87-567-7140-1, p. 151]

Climate and geography

Gigondas, along with the rest of Southern Rhône has a Mediterranean climate that differs from its northern neighbour, which has a more continental climate. The main geographical feature in Gigondas is the Dentelles de Montmirail, a small range of mountains that divide the appellation in two distinct areas – one with a cooler climate and one with a hotter. But height is also an important factor, as wine is being harvested as high as 600 meters. [Niels Lillelund: "Rhône-Vinene" JP Bøger - JP/Politikens Forlagshus A/S, 2004. ISBN 87-567-7140-1, p. 152] .

Grapes and wine

In 1592, white wine from Gigondas is mentioned. However, no white wine is being produced today. The appellation is making red grapes only, and mostly red wine also, though some rosé is also made. The base grape is Grenache forming at least 65% of the wine. Mourvedre and Syrah makes up the rest, and some Cinsault is also found. The greatest Gigondas’ can be kept for 10 years or more in the cellar and usually benefits from at least three years in the cellar. Being primarily Grenache does, however mean that the lesser wines are not recommended for extended bottle aging. [Niels Lillelund: "Rhône-Vinene" JP Bøger - JP/Politikens Forlagshus A/S, 2004. ISBN 87-567-7140-1, p. 152-153]

Winemaking

Gigondas is known for its power rather than its elegance. Some parts of the appellation are warmer than Châteauneuf-du-Pape, bringing the generous Grenache grape close to fortified strength in alcohol. While some rosé wine is produced, the appellation draws its prestige from its reds. [Niels Lillelund: "Rhône-Vinene" JP Bøger - JP/Politikens Forlagshus A/S, 2004. ISBN 87-567-7140-1, p. 152] [Niels Lillelund: "Rhône-Vinene" JP Bøger - JP/Politikens Forlagshus A/S, 2004. ISBN 87-567-7140-1, p. 152-153]

References

ee also

*French wine