IGP Méditerranée: Domaine Saint Gayan 'Argiles' Blanc 2022
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This hand-harvested, IGP Méditerranée blanc is a terrific thirst-quencher of a wine, ideal for al fresco imbibing, picnics or a trip to the seaside at the height of summer!
From the dependable Domaine Saint Gayan, a refreshing IGP blanc made from roughly half Picquepoul Blanc, with the rest mainly equal parts of Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc. The Meffre family wanted to make a refreshing blanc to drink themselves using Picquepoul as a base. They chose a blend of Picquepoul for its acidity, golden hue and minerality; Bourboulenc for its intensely fruity aromas and Grenache Blanc to add structure and weight. They suggest drinking it as an aperitif or particularly with fish, shellfish and crustaceans in particular, especially oysters.
In the mid-1990s, the Meffre family managed to acquire a few parcels of vines in the commune of Camaret-sur-Aygues, west of Gigondas. It has been since re-planted with varieties likely to withstand increasing temperatures amid climate change, being a fairly weather-beaten site with vines constantly buffeted by the Mistral wind. The soils have a large proportion of clay content which helps retain water in warmer months.
| Style | White Wine, Sec, Medium-bodied, Non Sparkling |
|---|---|
| Wine Region | Rhône, Côtes du Rhône |
| Grape Variety (Cépage) | Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Piquepoul |
| Food & Wine Matching | Oysters, Salads, Seafood, White Fish |
| Viticulture | Non-Organic |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Cellarage | Drink 1 to 2 years after vintage. |
| Vinification | Gentle pressing and cool fermentation to preserve the aromatic fresh fruit flavours. Matured in vat and tank. |
| Alcohol By Volume (%) | 13 |
Domaine Saint Gayan (Jean-Pierre Meffre)
The Meffres have been vignerons at Gigondas since the 17th Century and have played a key role in the success of the appellation. Roger Meffre (Jean-Pierre's father) was president of the Syndicat des Vignerons de Gigondas and was instrumental in winning Appellation Contrôllée status for Gigondas in 1971 and changing the law regarding the wine's Grenache content (raised from a maximum of 65% to 85% in 1985).
The 34 hectare Domaine Saint Gayan holds 12 hectares in their home village of Gigondas and is now run largely by Jean-Pierre and Martine's daughter Julie and her husband and winemaker Christian Yves Carré de Lusançay. It is one of the commune's finest estates and likely to release wines at their leisure, when ready to drink. Large oak barrels are mainly used for maturation though a number of clay amphorae have recently been installed. Whole-bunch fermentation is de rigeur.
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