Domaine Les Pallières Racine Gigondas 2018

Intense nose, blackberries, black pepper, red cherries, earth. Leather and blood on palate. Crunchy tannins.

Country: France Region: Gigondes Grapes: Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault, Clairette 

ABV: 13%  Bottle Size: 75cl 

Additional Information: Owned by the Brunier family (or Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe and American importer Kermit Lynch), the family make two cuvees per year: Terrasse du Diable comes from the higher-altitude, cooler parcels, while Les Racines originates from the plateau around the winery itself and includes the property's oldest vines. The domaine consists of a single 334-acre estate comprising 62 acres of vineyards and 272 acres of pine and oak. 

Grapes from about 60% of the plantings are blended in the “Racines”. Blend is Grenache Noir 80%, Syrah  and Cinsault (co-planted) 15%, Clairette 5%. Vineyards on Northwest-facing hillside terraces in the most Northerly reaches of the appellation at 250 meters. 

Vines are on single-row terraces, to cope with the very steep slopes. The soil, which is partly covered by limestone is very shallow and sits on a highly compact layer of red clay. The higher the more scree.

Vines are 70 years on average. Grapes are hand-picked, with double sorting at the vine, then a third sort in the winery. Gentle crushing and selective destemming, followed by 25-30 days’ traditional fermentation in temperature controlled concrete and wooden vats. Pneumatic pressing, then systematic malolactic fermentation. Matured for 20 months in French oak foudres (60 hl).