2023 Domaine La Roubine - Gigondas (750ml)
Domaine La Roubine sits in the heart of Gigondas, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, where Eric and Sophie Ughetto run one of the smallest holdings in the appellation. Eric took over the family estate in 1990 and began vinifying the domaine's own fruit, releasing its first vintage in 2000. Today the couple farms organically across roughly fifteen hectares spanning Gigondas, Vacqueyras, SĂ©guret, and Sablet, with Eric overseeing the cellar work while Sophie manages the tasting room and administration.
This Gigondas comes from around five hectares of vines averaging fifty years of age, planted on the north side of the Dentelles across two distinct soil types: a flat parcel of iron-rich red clay and cobbles, and higher terraces of quartzite, limestone, and alluvium. The blend leans on Grenache alongside Syrah and Mourvèdre, harvested whole cluster and fermented naturally in concrete with daily pumpovers over a lengthy forty five day maceration. Aging takes place without fining or filtration, split between concrete tanks and large old oak casks.
Deep ruby in the glass, this wine offers a dense core of ripe red and black fruit layered with garrigue herbs, olive, and licorice. Its tannins are firm yet supple, giving both immediate pleasure and real staying power in the cellar. Pair it with roasted game, venison, or aged sheep's cheese.