Gigondas Cor Hominis Laetificat 2019,4943 (Chateau Cohola)

Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Winemakers Cheli and Jerome first met at university in Andalucia before returning to Jerome’s homeland to make their own wine. In 2012 they purchased a rundown estate in Sablet which they have since converted into a fine organic winery. Uniquely, their wines are aged in a remarkable 7th century cellar close to Roquefort in the region of Averyron. Gigondas wines typically offer exceptional value for money, and this example from Cheli and Jerome is no exception. Their vineyards in the appellation have a diverse range of soils featuring scree slopes, clay, limestone, and sand which helps to create complex and characterful wines. Yields are kept low to maximise quality and to avoid over-stressing the vines. The blend is primarily composed of Grenache along with some Syrah and Mourvedre for balance and intensity. The couple use long macerations to extract lots of colour and flavour and prefer to avoid new oak barrels which may overwhelm the natural personality of the grape varieties. Expect luscious layers of dark fruit overlaid with spice and toasted oak notes from the balanced ageing process. A great wine to pair with rich game dishes or to keep in the cellar for a few more years.