Grape Varieties

Grape Varieties and Vines

The estate has two important particularities regarding its grape varieties and vines. In our oldest plots, pre-phylloxera vines (around 140 years old) are still present, planted on their own roots. This includes the flagship grape variety of the Southern Rhône, Grenache.

Grenache provides our wines with body, tannins, and the full expression of our terroirs.

Phylloxera is a sap-sucking insect that came from the United States and devastated the French vineyard at the end of the 19th century. Attacking the roots, it caused widespread destruction. At that time, there was a real concern about the potential disappearance of vines in France. The solution came from grafting an immune American rootstock with a French grape variety.

The second important particularity of our grape varieties is the presence of 13 different grape varieties within the vineyard. As a legacy of the original specifications when obtaining the status of Cru des Côtes du Rhône, the most important varieties (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Clairette) are vinified separately, while the remaining grape varieties are vinified together. 

A blend takes place after the fermentations are complete to create our single-vineyard cuvée, the Cuvée ALEXANDRE, which is the flagship of our diversity and uniqueness. However, this cuvée is dependent on the vintage and is therefore not produced systematically.

Our Different Grape Varieties

Grenache Noir

Grenache Noir is an emblematic grape variety, not only of the Côtes du Rhône region but also of our estate. Known for providing richness, structure, and aromas of ripe red fruits, Grenache Noir is the backbone of our red blends. It adapts particularly well to our hot and dry climate, offering generous wines with a remarkable aging potential.

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Syrah

Syrah, on the other hand, is a grape variety that brings color, depth, and complexity to our wines. Its characteristic notes of violet, spices, and dark fruits blend perfectly with the roundness of Grenache Noir. Syrah thrives in our sandy soils, where it can express all its finesse and tannic structure.

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Mourvèdre

Mourvèdre is another important grape variety in our vineyard. Valued for its ability to produce tannic wines with great aging potential, it adds an extra dimension to our blends. Its aromas of dark fruits, leather, and a hint of game harmoniously complete the aromatic profile of our red wines.

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Clairette Blanche

Clairette Blanche plays a central role in our white wines. This traditional grape variety of the region brings freshness, liveliness, and delicate aromas of white flowers and white-fleshed fruits. It is the foundation of our white wine, providing balance, acidity, and elegance.

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Grenache Gris

Grenache Gris, a lesser-known cousin of Grenache Noir, is used in our white wines. This rare grape variety brings a lovely acidity and subtle notes of peach and citrus, contributing to the complexity and finesse of our cuvées.

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Cinsault

Finally, Cinsault completes our palette of grape varieties with its lightness and fresh red fruit aromas. It is particularly valued in our rosés for its ability to bring finesse and drinkability, as well as in our red blends to soften the tannins and add a delicate aromatic touch.

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Vintage 2023

With the 2023 vintage, Gigondas sees its specifications revised and the possibility of producing white wine is granted.

White wine has a long-standing tradition. Indeed, white grape varieties were common when Gigondas had only the status of Côtes-du-Rhône Village (which it left in 1971 to become a cru).

The plots planted with white varieties, particularly Clairette (the predominant grape in the blend), date back to before 1971 on the estate.

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