Old Vines, Deep Soul – The Southern Rhône's Hidden Treasure
Bonjour! Let me tell you about a wine that captures everything I love about the Southern Rhône – authenticity, depth, and the kind of character that only comes from vines with decades of wisdom in their roots.
The Story Behind the Bottle
In the heart of Gigondas, the Gras family has earned a reputation as one of the Southern Rhône's most respected producers. At Domaine Santa Duc, tradition meets passion, and every bottle tells the story of their deep respect for terroir and time-honoured winemaking.
This 'Les Vieilles Vignes' (which means "old vines" – and for good reason) is crafted from a carefully tended collection of 50-year-old vines growing in clay-limestone soils studded with those famous galets roulés – the smooth, round stones that absorb the Provençal sun by day and radiate warmth back to the vines by night. These old vines naturally produce low yields, concentrating all their energy into fruit that's rich, complex, and deeply expressive.
The blend? A classic Southern Rhône quartet: Grenache leads the way, supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. After harvest, the wine is aged in large oak vats and stainless steel, allowing the pure fruit and terroir to shine through.
What You'll Discover
Pour yourself a glass and breathe in the aromas – ripe cherry and blackberry mingle with crushed wild herbs, black pepper, and warming spice. It's like walking through a Provençal hillside in late summer.
On the palate, this wine is generous and beautifully textured. Supple tannins carry flavours of dark berries, savoury herbs, and a touch of that signature peppery spice. The finish? Long, satisfying, and utterly moreish. Medium to full-bodied with real structure – this is a wine with presence.
Perfect Pairings
This is the kind of wine that begs for a proper meal. Think grilled lamb cutlets with rosemary, slow-cooked beef stew with root vegetables, or roast duck with orange glaze. It's equally magnificent with earthy vegetarian dishes like eggplant parmigiana or a hearty lentil and pumpkin casserole.
For cheese? Reach for aged Comté, rustic Tomme de Savoie, or even a bold Bleu d'Auvergne. And if you're feeling indulgent, pair it with a creamy gratin dauphinois – pure magic.
Why We Love It
At The French Carousel, we seek out wines that tell a story – bottles that connect you to the land, the people, and generations of winemaking wisdom. This Famille Gras does exactly that. It's organic, biodynamic, and crafted with integrity from vines that have seen half a century of seasons. This is the Southern Rhône at its most authentic – rich, warm, and utterly captivating.
Details
- Region: Côtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône Valley, France
- Appellation: AOC Côtes du Rhône
- Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault
- Vintage: 2021
- Vine Age: 50+ years (old vines)
- Organic & Biodynamic: Yes
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Aging: Large oak vats and stainless steel
- Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (room temperature)
Santé! 🥂
