GIGONDAS, its wines, its land, its people
The Rhône valley appellation of Gigondas obtained “cru” status forty years ago, but vines and winemaking have been present here for many centuries.
The picturesque village of Gigondas sits in the foothills of the majestic peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail, surrounded by a unique geological formation. These terroirs of extreme diversity, marked by the omnipresence of limestone, have become its passport to success.
In collaboration with the Union des Maisons de la Vallée du Rhône, the Gigondas appellation has created this comprehensive work about the AOC, entitled Gigondas, its wines, its land, its people.
Historian and Doctor of Literature Jean-Baptiste Amadieu, journalists John Livingstone-Learmonth (a renowned British wine writer) and Véronique Raisin, geologist and Rhône valley specialist Georges Truc, photographer Ilka Kramer and wine producer Louis Barruol tell the multi-faceted story of the Gigondas appellation, taking the reader on a wine- and geology-focused tour of the birthplace of these wines, recounting their illustrious history and amusing anecdotes. Some 50 vintages are tasted and noted, with 82 Gigondas domaines described and pictured.
With special thanks to Josh Raynolds, Ned Goodwin, Kermit Lynch, Andrew Jefford, Lincoln Siliakus, Alain Senderens, Alain Passard, Christophe Tassan and Kelly Mc Auliffe.
John Livingstone-Learmonth
“Tastings over the past five decades strongly indicate that Gigondas is fresher, and therefore more stimulating, to drink than the wines from most other Southern Rhône vineyards: just like the Roman legionnaires found it, no doubt”
Kelly Mc Auliffe
“The wines of Gigondas have a soul”
Georges Truc
“The heart of Gigondas lies in the plain, but its spirit is in the mountains”
Alain Passard
“Personally, I feel relaxed when I open a Gigondas wine”
Andrew Jefford
“Gigondas is unique”
Josh Raynolds
“Gigondas... It has always occupied plenty of space in mine (cellar), and it always will”
Kermit Lynch
“and for me, a dream came true. I was proprietor... of one of the south’s enchanted sites”
Alain Sanderens
“In Gigondas, the terrain is rugged yet generous”
