Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues 2021

Domaine Santa Duc makes this Gigondas in the southern Rhône Valley, France, from the Les Hautes Garrigues plots that sit high among the warm limestone and scrub of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The blend is led by old-vine Grenache, which gives ripe, generous dark fruit and the wine's full 15.5 percent, with Mourvèdre adding firm tannin, savoury depth and a meaty, gamey edge. The estate farms biodynamically and organically. The hot, dry Mediterranean climate, swept by the mistral, ripens the fruit fully, while the herb-covered garrigue and stony soils lend a wild, savoury character. The wine is aged in a mix of clay amphora and barrel. The neutral clay keeps the fruit pure with gentle oxygen exchange, while the barrel adds structure and a slow oxidative softening of the tannins, the two together building texture without heavy oak. The colour is a deep, dark red. The nose shows ripe blackberry and dark plum over garrigue herbs, black pepper, liquorice and leather. The palate is full and warming, with firm tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at around 17 to 18 degrees Celsius, and decant. It suits roast and braised red meats.