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Gigondas 2016

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🍷 Gigondas 2016 Tasting at Manhatta

Masterclass with Pascaline LePeltier, MOF

📍 November 13, 2023 | Manhatta, NYC

Earlier this fall, I had the privilege of attending one of the most enriching wine masterclasses of the year — a Gigondas 2016 vintage tasting hosted at Manhatta and led by none other than Pascaline LePeltier, MOF, a true expert in French wine and soil expression.

The combination of a compelling speaker, a classic Southern Rhône vintage, and the elegant ambiance of Manhatta made for an unforgettable evening. Below are some quick takeaways and tasting notes from this insightful session.

📚 Key Learnings from the Masterclass

  1. Marl Matters: Soil type, especially marl, plays a major role in shaping wine character. Try to connect soil expression with the wine’s texture and structure.
  2. Feel the Vintage: 2016 was a warm vintage — expect to experience warmth in fruit ripeness and alcohol levels.
  3. Know Your Tannins: Learn to distinguish between grape tannins and oak tannins — they’re structurally and texturally different.
  4. Varietal Composition: Take note of the different blends. Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah ratios influence weight, spice, and aging potential.

🍇 Tasting Lineup: Gigondas 2016 Highlights

1. Domaine la Bouïssière Gigondas Tradition 2016

  • Bright, fresh, cranberry juice–like profile
  • Still youthful; green but pleasant tannins, lifted by vibrant acidity
  • Elevated vineyard (350m) and NW exposure contribute to its freshness
  • A wine with aging potential and charming brightness

2. Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas 2016

  • Candy-like aromatics with bubblegum and warm spices
  • Made using whole-cluster fermentation
  • Grown in a cooler subzone with longer ripening, which enhances concentration and acidity
  • Although 20% aged in new oak, tannins are grape-derived and well-integrated

3. Domaine du Cayron Gigondas 2016

  • Complex and expressive, showing notes of methanol and licorice
  • A layered wine that stands out with its wild, rustic Rhône character

4. Domaine du Gour de Chaulé Tradition 2016

  • Fresh and youthful with plenty of red fruit (cherry) and spice (clove, nutmeg)
  • Despite the 14% ABV, it drinks seamlessly with no heat
  • Integrated and energetic — a strong candidate for short- to mid-term aging

5. Moulin de la Gardette “Cuvée Ventabren” 2016

  • Concentrated and structured with herbal, floral, and sweet spice notes
  • Grippy tannins suggest it’s still on the young side
  • A long, savory finish — this wine will benefit from at least 5 more years in the cellar

6. Domaine Santa Duc “Les Hautes Garrigues” 2016

  • 50% Grenache, 50% Mourvèdre
  • High alcohol, strong tannins, and firm structure
  • Despite its power, it holds bright acidity
  • Needs time to soften and fully reveal its depth — a cellar-worthy bottle

🍷 Final Thoughts

The 2016 Gigondas vintage delivers power, structure, and age-worthiness across the board. Each wine showcased a unique blend of terroir, winemaking, and varietal character — all brought to life through the lens of one of France’s great crus. With expert guidance from Pascaline and a world-class venue like Manhatta, this tasting was truly a masterclass in Rhône excellence.

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