Gigondas - zhee-gawn-dah

The Rhône Valley has a history that reaches back beyond Roman times. The village of Gigondas in the Southern Rhône Valley is charming with a mixture ancient structures and modern sculpture. With the loss of all of its olive trees in the mid-nineteen fifties, the primary focus is now on growing wine grapes. Gigondas' population is less than 1,000 people, yet this little village produces over five million bottles of wine a year.

Gigondas was considered a Côtes du Rhône appellation until 1971. Because of its notable quality it was given its own appellation at that time, but only after petitioning for its own identity for over forty years. The main grapes grown around this sunny village are grenache, syrah, cinsault, and mourvédre; its focus is mostly red wines. Gigondas is often referred to as the 'pour man's Châteauneuf du Pape' with its robust flavors of spices, licorice, and perfume and reflects its terroir in a rustic, yet sophisticated way.

The Southern Rhône Valley continues to bring incredible values with its artisan blends. Known for its approachable, spicy reds and soft, floral whites, quality and value are often found in the same bottle. Gigondas is the perfect bottle of wine for impressing dinner guests or celebrating yet another Friday night.

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