Céline Chauvet exudes warmth; not just from her smiling face as she welcomes us to her home but also from her stunning, sun-kissed wines. The family domaine covers 37 acres of prime Gigondas land, in the craggy upperlands of the Southern Rhone. Celine takes care of the winemaking and has just recently supervised the design and construction of a state-of-the-art cellar. This is one lady who does not let the grass grow under her feet!
We were shown round the cellar and then proceeded to the tasting room which also houses the family’s collection of corkscrews, many of them dating back several hundred years.
Our tasting commenced with the Merlot Caladoc – a firm favourite with JN staff. The 2013 vintage is lighter than the 2012 but has an attractive juiciness to it. 80% Merlot / 20% Caladoc, it is extremely approachable with silky tannins and a medium body. Caladoc is a Grenache/Malbec crossing which seems to work well here.
Grapillon D'Or Merlot 2012
£9.50 / €14.40
We then moved on to the 2013 Gigondas, Grapillon d’Or, her signature wine, made from a blend of 80% Grenache / 20% Syrah. Once again what strikes you is the fruit – bright, fresh, strawberry and blueberries bursting from the glass. On the palate it has presence but is not overextracted and has a very silky, gentle tannic structure.
Grapillon D'Or Gigondas 2012
£18.65 / €25.95
Bravo Celine et merci pour la visite!
