Domaine D'Ourea Gigondas 2018

70% Grenache, 20% Syrah (Petite Serine) and 10% Cinsault planted in 1975. This comes solely from the Grand Montmirail vineyard located high on the Dentelles de Montmirail where the soils are predominantly limestone marl and the temperature is about 1 degree cooler every 100 metres above the village with his vineyard ranging from 400 up to 520 metres. Grapes are 100% de-stemmed and crushed with a gentle infusion to avoid high extract and any course elements. Aged solely in concrete tanks to reveal the purity and tension and elegance of Grenache grown on limestone at altitude at cooler temperature.

’Deep vivid red. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe red and blue fruits, incense and exotic spices pick up potpourri and mineral nuances as the wine opens up. Appealingly sweet and seamless in texture, offering vibrant, spice-laced raspberry, boysenberry and floral pastille flavors that exhibit a suave blend of richness and energy. Shows sharp clarity and mineral lift on the impressively long, smooth finish, which is given shape by discreet, slow-building tannins.’ (91-93) points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous, February 2020.

’In the same league as the 2017, the 2018 Gigondas has attractive red fruits, spice, and a distinct rose garden and floral quality that keeps you coming back to the glass. Medium-bodied, silky and elegant, like the 2017, it’s not a blockbuster yet offers a complex, seamless, incredibly satisfying style. It will keep for a decade.’ (90-92) points, Jeb Dunnuck, September 2019.

Ourea is the name of the Greek God for mountains and heights and as this domaine owns the highest vineyard in Gigondas up amongst the Dentelles de Montmirail the name is very fitting for this incredibly beautiful vineyard does indeed feel very special. This vineyard is also naturally cool as the temperature drops by 1 degree centigrade for each 100 metres one climbs not to mention the cooling effect of the winds near the top of the Dentelles where his Gigondas vineyard is located at a height of 520 metres above sea level.

The domaine was established in 2010 when Adrien Roustan inherited vines from his grandfather including 4.5 ha of Gigondas located in the spectacular Grand Montmirail vineyard together with some plots since purchased in Vacqueyras, Côtes du Rhône and IGP. Today the total area farmed is 20 hectares.

Adrien’s parents were not winemakers so he set about educating himself attending Beaune’s oenology/viticulture program and spent 3 years working in Burgundy including an apprenticeship in 2007 at Domaine de la Romanee Conti, and also working with Turley in California. Influenced by his time with these estates Adrien works organically being certified since 2012.

In the cellar he uses whole bunch as much as possible with very light extraction and ages mostly in cement. In the vineyards he aims for planting at 10,000 vines per hectare working mostly with old established Grenache vines in both Gigondas (1975) and Vacqueyras (1950’s).

The wines at this estate show a markedly fresh profile, something we have been searching for to show just how great really old vine Grenache can be when grown in cool limestone terroir with a little altitude as is the case here. It really is time to wake up and smell the roses - and that is what you will do with a glass or two of Adrien’s brilliant fresh Gigondas.