Château de Montmirail Le Graminier AOP Gigondas, 2019

Gigondas was the first area to gain Cru status in the southern Rhône due to the quality of its wines – which rival those of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Le Graminier is produced from grapes grown on the lower limestone slopes of the impressive Dentelles de Montmirail. This terroir consistently produces a purity of taste with mulberries, red cherries and redcurrants over an herbal background of fresh mint and tarragon. This is a medium- to full-bodied wine and even at 15.5% alcohol is vibrant and lively rather than hot and heavy. It is a blend of 75% Grenache – always high in alcohol – with 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. The 2019 is concentrated with a fine texture and flavours of vanilla cream and red cherries.