Gigognan is a small producer with a short history; the winery was founded in 1996 by Anne and Jacques Callet in the outskirts of Chateauneuf du Pape. While many well-known wineries are located near the town, Gigognan is located halfway to Avignon, in Sorgues. While it may lack a posh zip code, it makes up for it in sheer quality.
Largely Grenache (65%) with some Syrah (35%), this wine is fermented in open-top cement tanks and bottled with minimal oak contact. A glass-staining red, the barest swirl sends a lavender-laced perfume flowing out. Aromas of eucalyptus and underbrush are buttressed with licorice and black pepper. Full-bodied with broad notes of currant, garrigue, and fig, the density is deeply impressive, as is the length of its finish. This is an open-knitted style of Rhone wine that drinks very well know but will continue to deliver delight and surprise over the next decade.
The winery had a new winemaking team in 2012, so there is no telling what direction they will be going in with the current vintage. Let’s hope they continue to produce such remarkable wines.