2021 DOMAINE MONTMIRAIL "LES DEUX JULIETTE" GIGONDAS

2021 DOMAINE MONTMIRAIL "LES DEUX JULIETTE" GIGONDAS, RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE. 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre.

Named after the daughters of the producer (Yves Chéron) and the importer (Charles Neal), both of whom have girls named Juliette, this is a blend of 80% Grenache from 55 to 65-year-old vines, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre from 30-year-old vines. Meticulous care is paid to every stage of the viticultural process at this small domaine. Wild aromas of blackberry and mulberry lead to an expansive palate with spicy berry, peppercorn and lingering notes of savory herb.Elegant, and satisfying. Recommended with beef Burgundy, red meat, game and cheeses.

About: The Domaine du Grand Montmirail is owned by the Cheron family. Originally from Burgundy, Denis Cheron bought the Cave du Grand Comtadiné in Vacqueyas in the 1960s. There he vinified grapes for scores of local producers and created a negoçiant firm called Pascal. One of Denis' suppliers was the owner of the Domaine du Grand Montmirail, a wonderfully situated property in the southeastern part of Gigondas. When this supplier retired, offers came in from all directions for this optimal piece of land. It was an ideal location for a developer to exploit. But rather than take the highest offer from a stranger, he rewarded Denis for his financial allegiance and allowed him to purchase the house and property.

The Dentelles de Montmirail tower above the winery. The area is isolated, with warm breezes and the scent of the garrigue (rosemary, thyme, sage) in the air. Grand Montmirail is in the extreme southeastern part of the appellation where the soil is very complex. In this map, the two white areas on the right represent the two ridges of the Dentelles (literally lace, as the ridges of the rocks resemble lace on the cuff of an old-fashioned blouse.) The town of Gigondas is about three kilometers as the bird flies over the Dentelles, a route which is unaccesible by car. Instead one has to circumnavigate the range, and pass through Beaumes de Venise, Vacqueyras and finally Gigondas, a journey some fifteen minutes long.

The vines benefit from a remarkably sunny exposure while being sheltered from the winter mistral by a sort of natural amphitheater. The altitude of the vineyards varies between 300 and 350 meters— among the highest in Gigondas, something that helps the wine retain some acidity.

The subsoils of their parcels are composed of sedimentary clay from when the sea covered this site. The rise of the Alps created many rifts, including the emergence of the impressive rocky barriers that are the Dentelles. But this clay is littered with small pieces of limestone, and it is the combination of these two soils that help give Grand Montmirail its round, approachable texture. (Importer)