E. Guigal Gigondas 2021

Winery Background and History

Maison E. Guigal was founded in 1946 in Ampuis in the Northern Rhône

The Guigal family—Étienne, then Marcel, now Philippe—built a reputation for excellence in both Northern and Southern Rhône wines

Their Gigondas wines represent their ambition to showcase the power, complexity, and authenticity of Southern Rhône terroir under the Guigal standard

Producer and Wine Maker

The wine is made under leadership of Philippe Guigal with input from Marcel

Fruit is sourced from multiple high-quality vineyards averaging ~40 years old

Blending and selection are rigorous to ensure balance of fruit ripeness, tannin structure, and regional character in Gigondas

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Vineyards are located in Gigondas AOC in southern Rhône on slopes of red clay, gravel, and ancient alluvial soils

The climate is Mediterranean: hot summers, warm days, cool nights, and the influence of mistral wind

2021 vintage had warm growing season followed by cooling autumn nights helping to preserve freshness

Vinification & Aging Methods

The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented traditionally with long maceration periods in vats to extract color and tannin

After fermentation the wine is aged for two years in oak (often large foudres, partially new oak) to integrate tannins and build complexity

Care is taken to balance oak use so that fruit remains expressive

Tasting notes

Deep purple color with aromas of blackberry, plum, garrigue, roasted herbs, black pepper, and hints of earthy leather

On the palate full-bodied and powerful with rich dark fruit, firm yet ripe tannins, complexity of spice and forest floor

Acidity gives lift, finish is long, generous and structured

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with rich, rustic fare: roast lamb, beef stew, game meats, wild boar, dishes with herbs de Provence

Also good with grilled vegetables, aged cheeses, and anything that handles tannin roughly

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 17-18 °C

Decant for 45-60 minutes to allow aromas and tannin integration

Use large red wine glass to carry aromas and structure

Storage and Aging Potential

Great aging potential; drinkable now but will benefit from cellaring

Peak drinking likely between 2026-2035 under proper storage (cool, stable, ~12-14 °C, dark)

Tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco, earthy notes expected with age

Grape Varietals & percentage used

≈ 70 % Grenache, ≈ 20 % Syrah, ≈ 10 % Mourvèdre 

ABV

15.0 % 

Scores

James Suckling 92