Rhone

The appellation is located in the southern section of the Rhône valley in France, and has been classified as a Cru site since 1971. The vineyard area totals 1.250 hectares, these are all located in the commune of Gigondas in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range in the département of Vaucluse. The name is derived from the Latin word jucunditas (joy or well-being). This was a small town established by the Romans, and was probably a recreation site. The elder Pliny (23-79 AD) was one of the early lovers of the wines from this region. The region was particularly severely affected by phylloxera in the 19th century, and it is only since the 1960’s that vineyards have again been established on the sloping sites and extensive terraces. The warm climate as well as the alluvial soils with red, stony clay produce a very full-bodied fruity and alcoholic red wine that accounts for 95% of production. It is a blend made from Grenache Noir (maximum of 80%), Syrah and/or Mourvèdre (minimum of 15%) and all other red varieties permitted in the Côtes du Rhône region, with the exception of Carignan (total maximum of 10%). The same applies in principle to the rosé. Well-known producers include, for example, Château de Montmirail, Château du Trignon, Château Raspail, Château Redortier, Château Saint-Cosme, Clos du Joncuas, Domaine Brusset, Domaine de Font-Sane, Domaine des Travers, Domaine du Cayron, Domaine du Grand Montmirail and Domaine du Pesquier.