Live chat
Critic Jeb Dunnock calls Montirius, "One of my favorite southern Rhône estates." It's devotedly run by the Saurel family. Meticulous biodynamic methods, ancient vines and great soils produce this fabulous liquorice, violets and black-fruit Gigondas.
Tasting notes
Velvety with firm tannins, ripe black fruit, pepper, herbs, spice
Aroma
Hints of liquorice, violets and ripe black fruit
Allergy information
Contains sulphites
More information
Gigondas is a velvety, ripe southern Rhône red, much under the shadow of its near neighbour Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Yet its reds are some of the Rhône's finest. Domaine Montirius has been making wine in Gigondas and next door Vacqueyras for five generations. They started turning all their vineyards biodynamic in 1996 and this extra care is carried through into every aspect of winemaking. Terre des Ainés takes its name from a parcel of vines which have been handed down to the firstborn of each generation. The vines are 75-85 years old, so yields are naturally tiny and concentration intense. From this "powerful, ripe vintage" (Decanter), the wine sees no oak, the emphasis is all on its fabulous fruit. Ideal with lamb. Decant early or cellar.