Gigondas Classique Bio Vielle Vignes, Domaine Saint Damien

Producer Note

Saint Damien was an early Christian saint (martyred in the year 287 A.D.), who was considered to be the patron saint of doctors. A chapel was built in his honour in the tiny hamlet of La Baumette, just outside the village of Gigondas, where Joel Saurel the owner of the domain lives. In 1979, the name Saint Damien was introduced into the name of the domain. Four generations have worked on this family estate since 1821 and in 2013 Romain joined his father on the estate. It has been certified organic since 2012.

Vineyard

The belief in the natural expression of terroir led the Saurels to introduce "la lute raisonnée" in 1996. The vines are cultivated using sustainable methods and a reduced amount of chemicals, in order to respect the land and its environment. The soils are made up of limestone and clay with glacial deposits.

Winemaking

The long, slow fermentation took place in concrete vats and lasted for six weeks, extracting the desired amount of aromatics, flavour and colour compounds from the perfectly ripened berries. Maturation lasted for 12 months in oak foudres. Vinified with minimal intervention, the wine was then bottled without any fining or filtration.

Tasting Note

A powerful wine showing sweet fruit, prunes and hints of pepper with a smooth texture; fine fruit and structure with a lovely length.

Serving Suggestion

Pairs well with rich meat casseroles and game.

Grape

Grenache 80%, Mourvèdre 20%