2012 Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Domaine Giraud is a 47-acre estate in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation of the Rhone Valley. It was founded in 1974 when Pierre and Mireille Giraud became the tenant farmers of 10 acres of vines. Both Pierre and Mireille came from local families with roots in winemaking and distilling, and by 1981 they were producing their own wine. Vineyard plots have been added over the decades and the estate is now managed by the Girauds’ children. The estate’s signature wines are the Chateauneuf-du-Papes Les Gallimardes Red and Les Gallimardes White. The red is 90% Grenache from 100-year-old vine, with 10% Syrah. The white is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Roussanne. Also made is a very limited amount of Les Grenaches de Pierre, which is made 100% Grenache from 100-year-old vines.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the appellation, is a large area of nearly 8,000 vineyard acres centered around the picturesque town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Located in southeastern France just north of the Avignon hills, the name of the appellation means “new castle of the pope” and it is a reference to the 14th century, when the Popes of Avignon built summer homes in the Southern Rhone Valley. Today the appellation is one of the most renowned in France and its terroir is known for layers of small pebbles, called “galets.” The stones in the soil are thought to help store heat and keep the soil warm, which helps ripen the grapes. The stones also help keep the soil from drying out in hot summer months. In 1923 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was a leader in establishing the idea that AOC wines in France should be made only with specified grapes, and the appellation allowed 13 grape varieties to be used. Since then the rules have been slightly modified to include several more allowable grapes. Red and white wines are produced, though in practice about 97% of all Châteauneuf –du-Papes are reds made with a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvedre, Muscardine, Syrah and Vaccarese. The red wines of this appellation are prized for being big, rich, spicy and full-bodied. White wines of the appellation are made with Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul and Picardin. Whites are floral, fruity and relatively full-bodied.