Order wine : Gigondas 2020 Clos Derrière Vieille - Domaine Santa Duc
From the estate
95/100 James Suckling
Tasted by J.S in 2023: ‘The nose is highly complex, with notes of thyme, rosemary, preserved lemon and red berries. Extremely elegant, with plenty of mountain freshness as well as southern ripeness. Very structured and clean on the long, concentrated finish. A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah grown on limestone marl at an altitude of 300-350 metres above sea level. 75% whole bunches. Aged in a combination of Stockinger oak tuns and clay amphora. Made from Demeter-certified biodynamically grown grapes. Drink from 2025.
When to drink this wine : 2025 - 2040+
When the Clos Derrière Vieille is acquired by the Gras family in 1994, it had been barely cultivated. The former dairy still lies stately within the middle of the vineyards. In hard work, the terraces are restored to counteract erosion. The vines are planted in narrow terraces meanderingin in dense rows along the morphology of the steep limestone massif. Each grape variety was planted on a terrace to meet its demand for water: Syrah in damp soils and Mourvèdre in stony ones, Grenache in transitional zones: 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. Located 350 meters above sea level, facing north-west, this special location with 6.5 ha of forest and 3.5 ha of vines offers a breathtaking view into the Rhone Valley. The nearby hospice and church gave it its name: Derrière la vieille ville (behind the old village). On the limestone soils of the Cretaceous, the wine develops a fine bouquet of fresh fruits and delicate, floral notes, supported by mineral freshness and fine tannins. An extraordinary taste experience that fully explains to what extent nature and the environment can give shape to a wine.
Varieties : 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah.
Vinification : Hand picked with a very selective sorting, destemming, short and soft maceration. Soft punching-down.
Ageing : In recent casks (foudres) and terracotta jars during 18 months.
Terroir : Calcareous marl from Cretaceous period.
To drink through 2030.
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Data sheet
| Note | Between 95 and 97 |
|---|---|
| Note JS | 95/100 |
| Partner Areas | Yes |
| Recoverable VAT | Yes |
| Colour | Red |
| Format | Bottle (75cl) |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Volume | 12,50 % vol - 75 cl |
| Appellation | Gigondas |
| Region | Rhône |
| Areas of Rhône | Santa Duc |
| Prix | From 30 to 50 € |
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Dry white
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Sparkling
Sparkling rosé
Red
Dry White
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Dry White
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Dry White
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Red
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