Les Hautes Garrigues Gigondas

White beans, duck confit, garlic sausage and smoky streaked bacon.

Domaine Santa Duc of the Gras family was founded in 1874 and produce reference point wines from their base in Gigondas, and leading expressions from neighbouring Chateauneuf du Pape. The wines produced here continue to receive wide critical acclaim, a result of innovation and a reputation for producing wines of energy and clarity. Yves Gras pioneered organic farming in the region from 1985, favouring large oak foudre and terracotta amphorae over small oak barrels, whilst dialling down on extraction. Son Benjamin taking on the reins in 2017, creating a new winery and converting to biodynamics. Their Grenache led reds show stunning purity of fruit, and an almost Pinot like finesse, whilst having the stuffing to reward ample cellar time.

This Gigondas is made from old vines in a very high altitude, single vineyard site. From stony, poor red clay soils from 3 hectares on Hautes Garrigues, yields of 15 hl/ha, from late 2010s

aged 90% 4-10 year oak 36 hl large barrels, 10% 800-litre clay jars.

90% destemmed, 5 week vinification at low temperature “to privilege the quality of the fruit and the freshness”, pumping overs.