Domaine Gavoty : Cuvée Clarendon 2019

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Cuvée Clarendon 2019 from Domaine Gavoty

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby-red color.

Nose

The nose reveals fine aromatic complexity with notes of red fruits such as raspberry, alongside darker fruit. Spicy nuances and subtle mineral touches round out the bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, the wine offers a generous, well-balanced structure. The tannins are refined and elegant, without excessive harshness. The overall impression shows a lovely freshness characteristic of the terroir, with a persistent finish that points to excellent ageing potential.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine from Provence is a perfect match for grilled red meats and boldly flavored dishes. In its youth, it pairs ideally with barbecue fare. After a few years in the cellar, it will enhance more elaborate preparations and meats in sauce.

Serving and cellaring

Domaine Gavoty 2019 can be enjoyed now but will gain complexity over time. It is recommended to wait three to five years to fully appreciate the evolution of its tertiary aromas and mineral notes. This wine has a cellaring potential of ten to fifteen years, or even around twenty years. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C.

An elegant, fresh red from Provence born of an exceptional terroir

The estate

Founded in 1806 by Philémon Gavoty, Domaine Gavoty today represents eight generations of winegrowers in Provence. Located in the village of Cabasse, in the heart of the Côtes de Provence appellation, this family estate spans fifty hectares of vineyards farmed under certified organic agriculture since 2020. Roselyne Gavoty currently runs the estate, perpetuating the family’s commitment to an authentic expression of terroir and respect for the environment. The estate stands out for its pioneering approach, having notably introduced Rolle to Côtes de Provence in the 1970s, and for its philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity, particularly for its red wines, produced only in favorable vintages.

The vineyard

The vineyards of Domaine Gavoty are planted on an exceptional terroir within the Côtes de Provence appellation, in what is known as the “zone of extremes”. Clay-limestone soils rich in dolomitic limestone provide excellent water retention. The vineyard benefits from a continental climate marked by wide temperature swings, with very hot summers that can reach 40°C and harsh winters dropping to -10°C. These demanding climatic conditions, combined with the influence of the Mistral, give the wines remarkable freshness and a strong capacity for ageing. The average age of the vines is around twenty-five years, ensuring concentration and complexity.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage proved particularly favorable after three difficult years. The season began with intense heat from late June, followed by an exceptionally dry summer. Ideal conditions arrived at the end of ripening, with three rainfall events totaling around seventy millimeters in late September and early October. These timely rains helped relieve vine water stress and unlocked their ripening potential at the optimal moment. The harvest took place between mid-September and mid-October in excellent sanitary conditions.

Winemaking and ageing

Winemaking for Domaine Gavoty 2019 follows traditional methods that respect the terroir. Maceration lasts twenty days at a controlled temperature of 28°C, allowing optimal extraction of phenolic compounds while preserving the wine’s elegance. After fermentation, the wine is aged in stainless-steel tanks for eighteen months. This deliberate choice to avoid oak preserves the pure expression of the terroir and the mineral character imparted by the limestone soils and the estate’s unique continental climate.

Grape varieties

Syrah (95%), Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan (5%)