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RHONE VALLEY<br />
TERROIRS<br />
our Cairanne, we focus primarily on ‘palatability’<br />
when our wines are young. Right from the first<br />
few months, our wines are enjoyable, and you<br />
don’t necessarily have to wait several years for<br />
them to be ready to drink”. The grapes are picked<br />
at peak ripeness, without extended hang times,<br />
so that the sugars and acids are balanced. Finesse,<br />
elegance and freshness are the guiding principles<br />
at the winery, with variations depending on the<br />
sites, but invariably the best value for money<br />
possible. “Since Cairanne became a Cru in 2015, we<br />
have witnessed increased interest in the appellation”,<br />
stresses Benjamin Laigle, the winery’s sales<br />
manager. “Depending on the markets, being able<br />
to provide Cairanne is a definite plus point. It is<br />
an upcoming appellation where every parameter<br />
is progressing in leaps and bounds, both in terms<br />
of awareness and quality, with a high proportion<br />
of independent and young winegrowers who want<br />
to push the boundaries”.<br />
MAX THOMAS AND LUCIEN TRAMIER, PASSING SKILLS DOWN THROUGH THE FAMILY<br />
GIGONDAS<br />
GIGONDAS LA CAVE:<br />
A MAJOR PLAYER<br />
THE GRAPE HARVEST AT GIGONDAS LA CAVE<br />
Tradition often creates a virtuous circle. For over<br />
sixty years, the co-operative winery in Gigondas<br />
has been a major player in the Gigondas appellation,<br />
bordering on the neighbouring appellation<br />
areas of Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise. Its<br />
members show great respect for their outstanding<br />
vineyard sites and farm them with passion so<br />
that they can take high-quality fruit to the winery.<br />
“We are not really in competition with the other<br />
Rhone Valley growths”, claims the director Christophe<br />
Esclangon. “I think we’re complementary.<br />
The vineyards of Gigondas produce finer, more<br />
delicate wines. They are highly prized by our<br />
customers, our aim being to seek out complexity<br />
without the wines being overly powerful. Drinkability<br />
is increasingly prioritised and it’s a criteria<br />
that we focus on”. The Gigondas appellation is<br />
renowned and recognised, offering consistent<br />
quality at competitive prices. And that is undeniably<br />
a real bonus in export markets.<br />
AUTUMN 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE<br />
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