Grape growing in the town of Gigondas dates to Roman times; indeed the name comes from the Latin “Jucunditas,” or joie de vivre. The Cartier family’s production wines there is a bit more recent, but it does predate the French revolution. Gigondas is along the eastern edge of the alluvial plain of the Rhône near Chateauneuf du Pape. Its wines resemble those of Chateauneuf, but the slightly greater elevation makes for wine with a bit more cut and energy. The Cartiers’ Gigondas is delicious year in and year out, and finds its way onto our tables in all but the hottest months. Since the birth of Florence, who now leads the winemaking at the Domaine, the Cartiers have produced a special cuvée that is raised in Burgundy-sized oak barrels. The wine ages beautifully.
The Cartiers also produce excellent wine from neighboring appellations. To the north there is Sablet, made from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Clairette, and priced for everyday drinking. Just to the south comes a hearty red from Beaumes de Venise, in which Cinsault joins the dominant pair of cépages. Their Côtes du Rhône comes with a leavening of Carignan, Terret Noir, Picpoul and Vaccarese — it’s a rustic wine with far more interest than the usual Côtes du Rhône, and we drink it all year round.
Though the reds predominate, the Domaine offers the other colors as well. In recent years, Florence has begun to produce “Rosé de Flo,” a delightful dry rosé that sells out promptly. There are whites from Viognier, Roussane, and Clairette.
SPECIAL TASTING EVENT: Join us for a special tasting with Florence Cartier at our warehouse in Newton, on Tuesday November 7th, 6-9pm. Details here.
