Famille Perrin Gigondas Clos des Tourelles 2012
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Robert
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Another prodigious Gigondas who’s only problem is that there’s not enough of it, the 2012 Gigondas Clos des Tourelles (95% Grenache and 5% Syrah) comes from a vineyard just outside of the village. Slightly darker in character than the Vieilles Vignes, it boasts awesome aromatics of cassis, toasted spice, licorice, ground herbs and massive minerality. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated Gigondas that has beautiful tannin structure, notable freshness and building richness that comes through on the finish. Rich and textured, as well as elegant, it’s a rock-star 2012 that will have two decades of longevity.
Range: 94-97 -
Wine Spectator
A ripe, silky style, with lush boysenberry and plum confiture notes that glide along, maintaining definition as hints of fruitcake, anise and chocolate move throughout. Drink now through 2022.
Other Vintages
2019-
Jeb
Dunnuck -
James
Suckling
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator - Decanter
Famille Perrin’s involvement in the wine trade can be traced back to 1909 with the purchase of Château de Beaucastel. Today the 5th generation of the family is involved in every aspect of the business. Famille Perrin’s range of wines enable you to discover the richness and diversity of the Southern Rhône Valley. It is no coincidence that Famille Perrin is the leading organic wine grower of the Southern Rhône Valley, where they occupy the region’s best terroirs. Their values have given them a worldwide reputation for excellence: absolute respect for the soil, a commitment to manual methods, and a deep belief that organic viticulture is the only way to express the true essence of the terroir. Nature and tradition are key to the Famille Perrin approach, which has continued seamlessly over five generations.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
The Southern Rhône region of Gigondas extends northwest from the notably jagged wall of mountains called the Dentelles di Montmirail, whose highest point climbs to about 2,600 feet. The region and its wines have much in common with the neighboring Chateauneuf-du-Pape except that the vineyards of Gigondas exist at higher elevation and its soils, comprised mainly of crumbled limestone from the Dentelles, often produce a more dense and robust Grenache-based red wine.
The region has a history of fine winemaking, extending back to Roman times. But by the 20th century, Gigondas was merely lumped into the less distinct zone of Côtes du Rhône Villages. However, it was first among these satellite villages to earn its own appellation, which occurred in 1971.
Gigondas reds must be between 50 to 100% Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre comprising the bulk of the remainder of the blend. They tend express rustic flavors and aromas of wild blackberry, raspberry, fig, plum, as well as juniper, dried herbs, anise, smoke and river rock. The best are bold but balanced, and finish with impressively sexy and velvety tannins.
The Gigondas appellation also produces rosé but no white wines.