Vaucluse GSM
Vaucluse IGT is a large region in the western border Southern Rhône to Provence. Vaucluse is spread across many of the revered southern Rhone wine AOCs and Crus - Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Cotes-du-Rhone AOC (and its accompanying Villages).
FACT: There are less restrictions for Vins de Pays but that does not mean it’s a low quality wine….. oh contraire! It’s the complete opposite - what it means is that it can mix grapes from two different AOCs — Cotes-du-Rhone and Ventoux — which is not allowed at the AOC level. The typical soils are clay, limestone and stoney galets which brings warmth to ripen the grapes, rich ripened fruit, higher alcohol and minerality.
The Southern Rhone makes red wine blends known as GSM, which stands for Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre. Depending on the AOC the blend could include 15 grape varieties, with Grenache being the dominant grape. The blend could also include other grapes such as Cinsault, Counoise, Carignan. These wines have character, a savoriness and rustic quality balanced with ripe fruit.
The Brunier family are a 6 generation winemaking family. The original estate, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe was established in 1891 in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Domaine La Roquète, Domaine Les Pallières are their most prestigious vineyards, as well as produce Vins de Pays Vaucluse. Winemakers Frédérick & Daniel Brunier have a deep knowledge and love of the terroir. They continue the family tradition and expand their holdings, as far as Lebanon with Massaya in association with Sami and Ramzi Ghosn, planted mainly in the northeast Beqaa Valley.
Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge “Le Pigeoulet” 2016 Is a blend is from fruit from the Côtes-du-Rhône and Ventoux appellations. The vines are an average of 25 years old. The name Pigeoulet is from the foothills of the noble La Crau plateau. It is made up of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Carignan, 5% Cinsault. Aged in 18 months in 50% cement tanks, 50% old oak foudre. Full bodied at 14% abv (you wouldn’t know it as it’s so smooth). It has a lovely rustic, sweet berry & spice aromas of ripe plum, cranberry, blackberry, cinnamon, leather, tobacco, raspberry jam, garigue and vanilla. Palate is dry, medium acid, chalky & round medium tannins, medium+ body and high alcohol, flavors of black cherry, plum, blackberry, raspberry, leather , dust, wet stone, pepper, licorice, garigue, meat, savory, lavender, bramble, black currant and mint. It’s well balanced and deserves a roast to accompany it! Amazing quality to price point $16
