The Story
With lands containing 24 centuries of History, worked and preserved by three generations of winemakers where core family values are a commitment to an illustrious terrain and a production of prestigious wines. This, in a nutshell: the Maison Guigal. Right from the start, Etienne Guigal followed the motto, “No Pains No Gains”, promising quality wines whilst respecting the unique terroirs of the Rhone Valley. An Ethic and commitment carried through generations with Marcel and Philippe, and their wives, nowadays adhering to. They are the guardians of this exceptional domain which combines History, devotion, inspiration as well as a sense of togetherness.
Oh did we forget to mention the dreamy castle attached to it?
“Over and above the cultural and patrimonial aspects, all the attention which goes into each stage of the winemaking process is focussed on bringing intense, sometimes unexpected, pleasure. A great wine should be enjoyed and shared in good company and if it arouses passion and emotion then this wine from the Maison GUIGAL will have achieved its true meaning”
Philippe Guigal
The Wines on Tasting
All through the month of September; we will have a curated selection of Guigal wines under Coravin and ready for you to taste! Due to the current pandemic condition; we will run one-o-one tastings which will be subject to team’s availability. As a general rule and due to shop capacity; we will be unlikely to conduct tastings after 5pm.
Côtes du Rhône White
Soil type | Grape Variety | Ageing
- Varied soil, sediment, limestone, granite.
- 45% Grenache blanc, 25% Roussanne, 15% Clairette, 10% Bourboulenc, 3% Piquepoul, 2% Picardin.
- 8 months. One quarter in wood (barrel, demi-muids) of which 50% new.
Tasting
Eye : Pale youthful gold, brilliant.
Nose : Expressive nose of white flowers and peach.
Palate : Unctuous mouth, balanced and enhanced by a beautiful freshness.
Overall : Rich, round and elegant wine.
Côtes du Rhône Red
Soil type | Grape Variety | Ageing
- Varied soil, sediment, limestone, granite. Pebbles and Alluvia.
- 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre.
- One and a half years in oak foudres.
Tasting
Eye : Deep and dark red. Shiny.
Nose : Fresh fruits with red berries and spices.
Palate : Full, round and racy. Rounded and smooth tannins. A full-bodied, rich and intensly aromatic wine.
Overall : Full with a long finish and plenty of elegance and finesse due to the well balanced tannins and fruit.
Gigondas Red*
Soil type | Grape Variety | Ageing
- Ancient alluvia, red clay and gravel on the slopes. Age of the vines is around 40years.
- 70% Grenache, 20 % Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre.
- Two years in oak foudres of which 50% is new oak.
Tasting
Eye : Purple.
Nose : Intense nose dominated by peach and apricot with liquorice and notes of undergrowth.
Palate : Generous, powerful and full-bodied with a long elegant finish.
Overall : A frank attack, racy with soft tannic structure.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red*
Soil type | Grape Variety | Ageing
- Round pebbles and red clay. Age of the vines is around 45years old.
- 70% Vieux Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% others.
- Two years in oak foudres.
Tasting
Eye : Deep dark red.
Nose : Spices and mature red fruits.
Palate : Round tannins with powerful complexity. A rich unctuous wine with notes of mature plums, hazelnuts and red fruits.
Overall : Very rich wine full of harmony and balance.
Crozes-Hermitage Red*
Soil type | Grape Variety | Ageing
- Limestone, clay and silt. Sandy gravel. 35 years old vines.
- 100 % Syrah.
- Eighteen months in oak barrels.
Tasting
Eye : Dark and deep colour.
Nose : Red fruits, cherry and strawberry with delicate oak aromas.
Palate : A structured tannic wine. Aromas of blackcurrant buds and vanilla.
Overall : Remarkable freshness with notable and refined tannins to due long oak ageing.
Saint-Joseph Red*
Soil type | Grape Variety | Ageing
- Limestone, sand and pebbles. The average age of the vines is between 20 to 50 years old.
- 100 % Syrah.
- Around sixteen months in second wine oak barrels.
Tasting
Eye : Dark red with violet tints.
Nose : Powerful nose dominated by red berries and delicate oak aromas.
Palate : Powerful attack. Round and supple tannins.
Overall : Eye : Dark red with violets tints. Nose : Powerful nose dominated by red berries and delicate oak aromas. Palate : Powerful attack. Round and supple tannins.
Hermitage Red*
Soil type | Grape Variety | Ageing
- Limestone clay and silt soil. Sandy gravel. The average age of the vines is 30 years old.
- 100 % Syrah.
- Thirty-six months in oak barrels, including 50% new.
Tasting
Eye : Deep ruby red with violet tinges.
Nose : Spices, red berries and delicate oak aromas.
Palate : A powerful and tannic wine. Aromas of blackcurrant buds and vanilla. Licorice and spicy finish.
Overall : A racy and seductive wine. A perfect wine for putting down.
FREE MAGNUM
Get a FREE Magnum of Guigal Cote du Rhone with any purchase of 12bottles of Guigal. Because 750ml are so passe…
(Must includes at least 2 premiums noted with an *)
Interested in trying some of these? Pop by the store or email us at glenn@decanters.com.au
Wine regards,
VKL
Biographie & tasting notes thanks to e.guigal©