Maison Tardieu-Laurent - Gigondas Vieilles Vignes Rouge 2023

Maison Tardieu-Laurent was founded in 1996 by Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent, though for many years the business has been the exclusive domaine of the Tardieu family. Today, it is run by Michel, his son, Bastien, and daughter, Camille. When Michel started the business, he would ask the growers he worked with two questions: which producers in the same appellation wines they liked to drink, and if they had some friends or producers with well-located old vines who might be interested to work with him. The result is an extensive network of “partner vignerons” — farmers with whom the family have long-standing relationships, almost all of whom have enviable holdings of old vines in the northern and southern Rhône’s most prestigious appellations. Today, this word of mouth and handshake model is still how the family conducts their business.

Maison Tardieu-Laurent's Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 90% Grenache complemented by equal parts Mourvèdre and Syrah from 40+ year old vines in Pied-Gü, Les Teyssonnières, La Bouïssière, Les Dentelles and Le Cayron. The wine is fermented 50% whole cluster, then aged for 10 months in old barrels followed by 10 months in foudre and bottled without fining or filtration. This Gigondas pours an enticing mid-purple color offering aromas of pure purple and black fruit accented with a savory brushland bouquet: garrigue and herbs. A dense and powerful attack gives way to an energetic palate of juicy fruit flavors (plum and blackberry purée) that are balanced by supple tannins and mouthwatering concentration that flow to a long, graceful finish. An excellent pairing for heartier fare... Try with any stews or braises, as well as roasted red meats and game.