Description

This wine shows the Guigal thumb print. Ripe red fruits and oak aromas. Nice roundness in the palate with firm tannins and fresh acid. Hints of mineral and earth underneath. Drinkable from now, it will definitely evolve for the next 10 years. I think I’d grab a pizza with this wine.

A classic producer and negociant family that makes some of the best wines of the Rhone from North to South. The Guigal family made their fame on the back of the much sought-after single vineyard Cote Rotie wines. Their access to great fruit from the best appellations and vineyards means their range is formidable and even their humble Cotes du Rhone is magnificent.

Rhone Valley

One of the great wine regions in the world. Situated along the Rhone river in South East France there is a distinct divide between the Syrah dominant North where the Mistral wind cools and regulates the temperature and the hot lands in the South where Grenache is at its peak. The region produces everything from easy going quaffers to wines that demand long term cellaring. Whites can be outstanding such as Viognier made in Condrieu and Rosé makes a fair impression too.

Crozes Hermitage

Not instantly as recognisable or as loved as fellow Northern Rhone appellations like Cote Rotie, Saint Joseph or Hermitage. But as John Livingstone-Learmonth says “terroir is alive and well at Crozes-Hermitage!”. A huge variation in geology as well as grower outlook means the wines are anything from lean, mineral and taut to Barossa style Syrah. There is a handful of fantastic quality wines that rival anything in the Rhone. The next tier down offer great quality and even better value.

Shiraz/Syrah

A bit of a chameleon, Shiraz can change how it looks depending on terroir and/or wine maker influence. The Syrah based wines of Northern Rhone are dry and austere while the Shiraz of Barossa is rich and fleshy. A variety that lends itself to long aging but can be drunk at any time of its evolution.