If Gigondas shines so brightly among the Great Growths (Grands Crus) of the Rhône Valley, it owes it in large part to a generous, sun-drenched grape variety: Grenache Noir. At Domaine les Teyssonnières, this variety is not just a component in our blends—it is their very soul.
Grenache Noir has found its ideal homeland in Gigondas. Why does it thrive so beautifully at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail?
A love for the sun: This grape variety requires a vast amount of sunlight to reach full ripeness. The Mediterranean climate of our region provides the absolute perfect conditions.
Excellent soil drainage: It flourishes particularly well on our sandy soils, which allow the roots to draw water from deep underground while imparting an exceptional aromatic finesse.
Wind resistance: Robust by nature, it proudly braves the Mistral wind, which naturally cleanses and keeps the grape bunches healthy.
Grenache Noir is recognizable among thousands for the sheer richness it brings to a wine. It offers a deep aromatic palette dominated by:
Black fruits and ripe black cherries.
Sweet spices and licorice.
Garrigue notes—that typical, fragrant scent of our Provençal hills.
On the palate, it translates into a full-bodied texture, a generous structure, and a mouthfeel often described as "velvety," "seamless," or "layered."
As ultimate proof of its supremacy, we craft a cuvée exclusively from this single grape variety. Our 2023 Gigondas 100% Grenache is the purest expression of this "King." Aged for two years in concrete vats to preserve all its vibrant brilliance, this wine was recently praised with an exceptional score of 93/100 by Robert Parker Wine Advocate.
The critic highlights a wine that is "concentrated while remaining balanced," offering a harmonious core of fruit and a long, lingering finish.
While Grenache Noir is the undisputed king, it also knows how to be an excellent partner. In our other cuvées, such as the Cuvée Alexandre (rated 92/100), it blends harmoniously with the appellation's other grape varieties to create a complex symphony. But at Domaine les Teyssonnières, it is always the Grenache that sets the tone, ensuring that seductive, vibrant character you experience with every tasting.
