Notes:
The 2023 Gigondas from Domaine du Terme evokes aromas of dark cherries, violet, spices and dark berries mingled with lovely notes of garrigue. Medium- to full-bodied and dense, it’s enveloping with a fleshy core of fruit framed by delicate, well-structured tannins. Concluding with a fresh, long and penetrating finish, this is a blend of 80% Grenache Noir, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah. - Yohan Castaing 91
Producer: Domaine du Terme is a family-owned estate in Gigondas, situated on the plateau facing the Dentelles de Montmirail. The Gaudin family has farmed in the area for generations, with the domaine now encompassing approximately 25 hectares across Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Sablet. Around 11 hectares are located in Gigondas surrounding the estate. The vineyards sit at approximately 200 meters in elevation, and the domaine is HVE Level 3 certified. Domaine du Terme works in a traditional Southern Rhône style, with Grenache at the center of its Gigondas and an approach in the cellar that favors large-format oak and restrained extraction rather than a heavy oak signature.
Vineyard: The 2023 Gigondas is produced from vineyards in Gigondas, including parcels in Santa Duc, Les Jardinières and Les Teyssonnières. The vines average approximately 45 years of age and grow on the clay-limestone soils characteristic of this part of the appellation. The blend is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Grenache provides the core of the wine, while Syrah adds structure, spice and darker fruit. The mature vines and warm Mediterranean climate produce a wine with the concentration expected from Gigondas, balanced by the freshness and savory character that distinguish the appellation from the broader Southern Rhône.
Winemaking: The grapes are harvested by hand and approximately 80% destemmed before fermentation. Traditional red-wine vinification includes temperature-controlled fermentation, pump-overs and punch-downs, followed by an extended maceration. The wine is initially matured in tank before aging for approximately 12 months in large oak foudres. The use of large-format oak keeps the influence of the wood restrained, allowing the Grenache, spice and earthy character of the vineyards to remain at the forefront. The 2023 shows dark cherry and berry fruit alongside violet, pepper, dried herbs and classic garrigue notes. The palate is generous and fleshy, with defined tannins, good freshness and enough structure to develop further in bottle.
Technical Details: 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. 15% ABV. 750ml. Hand harvested. Approximately 80% destemmed. Aged approximately 12 months in large oak foudres. HVE Level 3 certified.
Food Pairing: Gigondas is particularly well suited to richer meat dishes and preparations built around herbs and slow cooking. Pair the 2023 Domaine du Terme with roasted leg of lamb seasoned with rosemary and garlic, grilled lamb chops, braised beef short ribs, duck confit or beef bourguignon. Its combination of ripe Grenache fruit, spice and garrigue also makes it a natural match for Provençal dishes featuring thyme, rosemary, olives or roasted vegetables. Sausages, lentils, mushroom dishes and aged hard cheeses are equally good options. A short decant will help open the wine when served young, and serving it slightly below room temperature will keep its fruit and structure fresh.
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