Gigondas

Gigondas vineyards lay at the bottom of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in the southern part of the Rhône, east of the city of Orange. Gigondas was given appellation controllée status in 1971, being elevated from part of the Côtes du Rhône-Villages. Similar to Chateauneuf-du-Pape in style, they are generally more robust and often more rustic. They can be seen as a less expensive alternative to their costly neighbour. The 3,000+ acres of vineyards produce a hefty quantity of wine, with only red and rosé being permitted under the guidelines. Any white produced is entitled only to Côtes du Rhône appellation status. Grenache dominates the blends, with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Muscardin also being used. The vineyards are spread over hills and the plateau below the village of Gigondas, but the best sites are those on the higher ground.