Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas 2018

Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas

Vinification & Élevage: Hand harvesting; sorting of the grapes is done in the vineyards and 100% de-stemmed. Up to 30 days maceration in enamel-coated concrete vats. Natural yeast fermentation. Aging is 18-24 months in 5,000 liter oak foudres.

Region: Southern Rhône Valley
Appellation: Gigondas
Owner: Dominique Ay
Established: 1850
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Soil: Sandy clay with limestone
Grape Varieties: Mainly Grenache, with Syrah, & Mourvèdre
Avg Age of Vines: 40 years

Dominique Ay, the serious-minded proprietor of Domaine Raspail-Ay, makes one of the most iconic wines in all of Gigondas . Its 19 hectares make up one contiguous block of vines, mid-slope on the rugged clay/limestone terraces, the best terroir of the Gigondas appellation. The imposing rock formation of the Dentelles de Montmirail looms above as a backdrop. Everything about Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas is traditional: a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre; vinification in concrete, and aging in large oak foudres. Besides a small amount of Gigondas Rosé, only one wine is made – Gigondas. There is no Côtes du Rhône, no “Réserve”, “Vieilles Vignes”, or special new oak cuvée bottling. Only one wine, consistently ranked among the top wines produced in the appellation year in and year out.

Reviews

Decanter – “This makes a strong impression – exuberantly ripely fruity, explosively so. The acidity is juicy, fruity and marked with tannins a little grainy. Very polished with bright red ruby fruits and a deep vinosity comprising some pomegranate and raspberry. A single unbroken plot near the village of Gigondas, all destemmed and fermented in concrete, matured in old foudres for 18-24 months. No special cuvées, just a single wine produced from this domaine. Drinking Window 2020 – 2030.” (94 Pts)