A tribute to the terroir of the Gigondas appellation!

Over 25 parcels selected from the terraces next to the Dentelles de Montmirail including centenarian grenache vines as well as ancient local varietals.

 

94/100 - JEB DUNNUCK

" From steeper slopes, the 2016 Gigondas Arcane L'Hermite checks in as 80% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, Muscardin, and Picpoul Noir that was aged in a sub- merged barrel. It's another beautiful wine from Xavier that has loads of blackberries, spice, dried herbes de Provence, and loamy soil. It's elegant, seamless and silky, with beautiful purity and elegance. It's going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for a decade. "

93/100 - PARKER

" The 2016 Gigondas Arcane VIII L'Hermite likely won't be released for three to four years, said Vignon (it's already bottled). It is linear, tight and crisply focused, so no doubt he's right about when it will be approachable. Cedar frames bright cherry fruit in this medium to full-bodied GSM blend. " 

In the Gigondas appellation, most of the vines thrive in the shade, hidden from the sun by the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range. The soils are varied: large alluvial terraces, marl-limestone slopes and sandy-clay soils at the foot of the massif.

For the Arcane l'Hermite, Xavier Vignon has looked exclusively for sunny plots in order to guarantee a diversity of flavours and to juggle between spices and fruits. 

 

Vinification 

The muscardin and picpoul noir are vinified in un-toasted oak barrels.

The grenache, mourvèdre and syrah are fermented together in concrete tanks.

Ageing 

The muscardin and picpoul noir are aged in un-toasted oak barrels.

The grenache, mourvèdre and syrah are aged in truncated wooden vats.

Certain barrels were submerged in wine for over 12 months in order to preserve the pure grenaches from oxidation.

Venison medallion with boletus butter and truffle strips - Roast pigeon with ceps - Beef Bourguignon - Roast beef