Domaine Gour de Chaulé, Gigondas "Tradition" Southern Rhône, France 2019

Grenache is the main grape variety, making up about 80+% of the blend with Syrah and Mourvèdre making up the rest. Grapes are harvested manually and never destemmed. Elevage is in large oak foudres where the wine rests for about 18 months when it is bottled unfined and unfiltered. The end result is a traditionally made and balanced wine that reflects some of the best that Gigondas has to offer.

The wine is racked no more than three times before it is bottled, unfined and unfiltered, 30 to 36 months after harvest. New oak is not used at this domaine. The resulting wine is sturdy, braced with sweet, dusty tannins, and is intensely aromatic with notes of crushed white pepper, oriental spices, and game.

Established in 1900 in the heart of Gigondas, Gour de Chaulé is now run by the founder's great-granddaughter, Stephanie Fumoso. This is a female-driven property as Stephanie's grandmother and mother were both actively involved in making the wines and establishing the property's domaine bottlings. The estate is composed of 15 hectares planted in the surrounding region, 10 of which are within the appellation of Gigondas.

Pair with red meats and game; also, mushroom and pepper sauces work. Most seafood will not work with this wine, but you could try tuna or maybe even salmon with a rich sauce.