Montirius 2007 Tasting Notes

Gigondas 2004
Vacqueyras 2004

Our Option wines come from the 2004 vintage, and after the canicule or heat-wave conditions of 2003 this was a relatively normal year.  Of course it is always pretty hot in this area of France, but by ‘normal’ we mean a more balanced summer of seasonal temperatures and rainfall.

Gigondas is similar in style to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and was the second appellation of the southern Côtes du Rhône to be elevated to cru status in 1971, with the adjacent Vacqueyras following in 1990.  Our exclusive cuvée is made from a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Mourvèdre grapes from old, low-yielding vines.  The result is a delightfully perfumed, smooth, full-bodied wine with supple tannins and a flavour of blackberry and cherry, with clean mineral notes and a long finish.  It can be drunk straight away, but carefully cellared will go on evolving for at least another five years.  

Our exclusive Vacqueyras cuvée is made from vines – some of which are 80 years old – grown on the plateau of the garrigue.  The blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah produces another full-bodied, ripe and rich red wine with bags of fresh, sweet black fruit on the palate.  It has a deliciously refreshing mineral aftertaste and a long, lingering finish.  Like the Gigondas this wine can be drunk straight away, but if carefully cellared it will go on evolving for at least another five years.

Both wines are superb with casseroles, lamb shank and roast meats, and indeed many other full flavour dishes.