château la croix des pins Les Dessous des Dentelles Gigondas Rouge 2016 Winemaker Jean-Pierre Valade Accolades 93 points Wine Advocate, Varietal Blend 65% Grenache Noir, 25% Syrah, 90-92 points Vinous 10% Mourvèdre Other Ecocert Certified Organic Location Southern Rhône, France Commune Gigondas Appellation Gigondas AOC Alcohol Content 14.5% TA 3.38 g/l pH 3.63 RS <1.5 g/l VINEYARDS: TASTING NOTES: The vineyards are situated 984-1,148 feet above sea level in the heart of the Dentelles Fragrances from the garrigue—a de Montmirail mountain range for which the wine is named. Vines are set in soils of delicate blend of rosemary and juniper clay and limestone along hillsides, allowing them to benefit from hours of sunshine. berry—converge with aromas of cherry, They are 30 years old and receive southern exposure. Organic and natural treatments are utilized on the manually worked vineyards to avoid diseases. Very few sulfites prune and sweet bay. It is, however, on are used. the palate that this wine is a revelation, combining power, sharpness, strength VINTAGE: Weather conditions in the Southern Rhône were nearly ideal in 2016 with warm, dry and the smoothness of the tannins. days which were balanced by cool nights. Volume was down in some areas for Grenache Very long-lasting and persistent, Les due to drought-like conditions which produced smaller berries and consequently less Dessous des Dentelles Gigondas Rouge juice. Overall it was a classic, exceptional vintage. is evocative of its limestone-clay terroir. VINIFICATION AND MATURATION: Enjoy it now or keep it in your cellar for The grapes were handpicked at optimal ripeness and fermented separately to develop 8 to 10 years. their individual characteristics. An approximate three-week maceration took place to capture the essence and aromas of the fruit. Five percent of the wine was aged in French oak barrels (2nd fill, as they produced one previous wine in Burgundy) with the remainder in stainless steel vats for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. CAPECLASSICS.COM.