Domaine Santa Duc - Aux Lieux Dits 2022
This Gigondas Aux Lieux Dits 2022 from Domaine Santa Duc embodies an ultra-precise vision of the southern Rhône, between Mediterranean depth and hillside energy. Originating from eight emblematic lieux-dits of the Gigondas commune, it combines the diversity of clay-limestone soils and red sands rich in pebbles that define the estate's personality. The deep ruby dress with garnet reflections announces an intense nose of ripe black fruits, cherry, and plum, enhanced by notes of garrigue, sweet pepper, and licorice. On aeration, delicate floral nuances and a hint of sun-dried tomato can also be perceived, adding relief and complexity to the bouquet. On the palate, the attack is ample and flavorful, supported by a pulpy fruit that coats the palate without heaviness. The freshness of the 2022 vintage, perfectly controlled, lengthens the body and highlights aromatic precision more than raw power.
Cultivated organically and biodynamically, Aux Lieux Dits 2022 reflects meticulous vineyard work where measured yields and manual harvesting aim for grape purity. The vinification favors whole clusters and indigenous yeasts, which enhance the spicy character, silky texture, and sensation of energy in the mouth. The long aging in large oak casks followed by concrete tanks refines the tannins, integrates the wood into the fruit, and preserves the mineral imprint of Gigondas’ stony soils. The structure is ample and fleshy but perfectly held by a freshness framework that avoids any heaviness and gives the wine great drinkability despite its density. The tannins, ripe and tight, envelop the palate in a silky tactile sensation, with a long finish marked by garrigue, warm stone, and a return of black fruits. This profile allows it to accompany both grilled or aged red meats and hearty stews, while maintaining a refined and gastronomic dimension.
Aux Lieux Dits 2022 fully fits into the lineage of the great wines of Domaine Santa Duc, a family estate emblematic of Gigondas for several generations. Now led by Benjamin Gras, the estate’s style combines aromatic richness, texture precision, and a very clear expression of the terroir at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Served around 16 °C after decanting, this Gigondas reveals its full potential with a côte de bœuf, herb-roasted lamb from the garrigue, a Provençal stew, or pressed cheeses such as a well-aged Saint-Nectaire. Already charming with its burst of fruit and softness of tannins, it will gain complexity over a few years of aging, allowing more tertiary notes of truffle, undergrowth, and fine leather to develop. Its ideal drinking window thus extends from now until around 2030 for those who appreciate southern Rhône reds at harmonious maturity. It is a wine of character, deep yet perfectly controlled, elegantly summarizing the sunny and mineral soul of Gigondas.
Grape varieties: Grenache 75%, Mourvèdre 13%, Syrah 10%, Cinsault 2%
