Château de Montmirail Le Graminier AOC Gigondas, 2018

Maurice Archimbaud first broke ground and established a vineyard on the steep lower slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail in the 1960s. His grandchildren Philippe and Sylvie have run the estate since 2018 and cultivate 24 hectares in Gigondas and 20 hectares in Vacqueyras. Cuvée Le Graminier is a blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Herbal grassy aromas combine with lavender and raspberry jam and lead to a supple palate with an alcohol level of 15.5%. Quite light mid palate, it develops a firm grippy finish with flavours of plums, prunes and raisins. Grapes were partially destalked and crushed, followed by fermentation on skins for 15 to 20 days.