Domaine Santa Duc : Les Hautes Garrigues 2017

A structured and aromatic red wine from Gigondas

The estate

Located in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain chain, Domaine Santa Duc has been writing its family history since 1874. At the helm of the estate since 1985, Yves Gras and his son Benjamin produce wines which, through their quality and refinement, greatly contribute to the glowing international reputation of Rhône Valley wines.

Produced using organic and biodynamic practices since 2016, these exceptional terroirs give rise to fine wines that harmoniously express the identity of emblematic appellations such as Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras and Côtes du Rhône.

The vineyard

Les Hautes Garrigues by Domaine Santa Duc is a Gigondas wine stemming form a historic terroir that harks back to the creation of the estate. This wine is named after the eponymous locality, situated on the plateau of the appellation. The vines are 75 years old on average and grow on sandy soils rich in red clay and limestone.

Vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are first sorted in the vineyard and then on a sorting table. Partial destemming, the percentage of which varies depending on the vintage. The grapes are vatted by gravity before undergoing a 20 to 30-day fermentation in stainless steel vats, with daily pumping over and punching down. Pressing in a pneumatic press followed by malolactic fermentation in vats. Aged for 18 months in oak tuns and clay jars before bottling without fining or filtration.

The blend

Grenache (50%)

Mourvèdre (50%).

Les Hautes Garrigues 2017 by Domaine Santa Duc: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

This ample and rich wine exudes spicy notes, a characteristic of the wines from the Gigondas appellation.