A “household name” is something the relative common person should recognize or know, and while in the diverse world of wines produced across the globe there are innumerable producers, wines and regions, France’s Rhone Valley is of course close to a household affiliation with great red wines.
It’s no great coincidence then that as we hit wine 6 of the 12 in our Swissmas features, we feature a 3rd wine from France already. The Southern Rhone is home to so many fantastic wines in specialized terriors that one could feature different wines daily from these for a lifetime. Our Swiss Cellars team however has been committed to a focus on sharing the wines of Pierre Amadieu from Gigondas in the heart of the region.
While Châteauneuf-du-Pape often grabs much of the most exceptional attention from the Southern Rhone it’s closely matched with Gigondas wines and for nearly 90 years the Amadieu family has proudly boasting the terroir on its bottles, since the first time it was ever done by Pierre Amadieu, Sr. in 1929.
Today Gigondas and Pierre Amadieu wines have a much more widely known and impactful representation in the wine world. We at Swiss Cellars carry many of the Amadieu wines that we’ve imported into the country and while picking favorites is difficult, the Domaine Grand Romane Gigondas is superb bottle with a significant value.
Pierre Amadieu – Domaine Grand Romane Gigondas 2012
The 6th Wine of Swissmas: Pierre Amadieu’s Domaine Grand Romane Gigondas ’12. Avg. Retail: $27-$34 ABV: 14.5%
While we’re currently distributing the 2012 vintage of this complex and concentrated wine, your local wine shops and some fine restaurants may surprise you with an earlier vintage yet, and if they do, graciously accept that opportunity to enjoy it!
The Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre blend is oak aged for 18 months and bottled unfiltered encapsulating the black and red fruits that harmonize with the vanilla and spices. The maturation of this wine can proceed with good cellaring beyond 10 years for some exceptional treats in the future decade but can also be enjoyed in the present with great value.
For a holiday wine to go with the fresh fall hunting game meats take a bottle of the Amadieu Gigondas to the table and you’ll not be disappointed. Fine restaurants in Wisconsin following this suggestion include Coquette Cafe in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward and Le Chateau in La Crosse.
To pick up a bottle for taking home to the winter feasts visit Grasch Foods, Ray’s Liquor, Timer’s Beverage Center or Uncorkt in Southeastern Wisconsin, Steve’s Liquor (West) or Vom Fass on State Street in Madison, and at The Point or Junction Liquor in Central Wisconsin.
As always, ask for it if it’s not available currently at your favorite local place and for more information on this wine, or any others you’ve read about in the 12 Wines of Swissmas, visit www.swisscellars.com or follow and message us on Twitter or Instagram @SwissCellars – We’ll keep our posts brief when we give you more information, updates and info on where to buy and find our wines.
Cheers!
@TripleJx