Domaine Gourt de Mautens : IGP Vaucluse 2013

Tasting characteristics and advice for the IGP Vaucluse 2013 from Domaine Gourt de Mautens

Tasting

Color

The color displays a deep red hue with garnet highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals fine aromatic complexity dominated by ripe black fruits such as black cherry, blackberry and plum. Secondary notes of black pepper, licorice, cocoa, tobacco and leather enrich the bouquet, alongside subtle herbal nuances.

Palate

On the palate, the wine unfolds impressive concentration and fine complexity. Its silky texture and perfectly integrated tannins bring structure and elegance without harshness. The palate shows remarkable density, with ripe fruit and spice flavors that linger into a long, persistent finish with peppery accents.

Food and wine pairings

This wine is an ideal match for refined small-game dishes such as stuffed rabbit, lamb shoulder preparations, as well as braised meats in sauce. It also pairs very well with aged cheeses and slow-braised beef daube.

Serving and aging

It is recommended to decant Domaine Gourt de Mautens 2013 for one to two hours before serving to allow the aromas to fully express themselves. The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18°C. This wine can be enjoyed now, but it will continue to evolve through around 2033.

A powerful, complex Rhône Valley wine from biodynamic farming

The estate

Domaine Gourt de Mautens was created in 1996 by Jérôme Bressy, then 23 years old, who took over the family vines, converted to organic farming as early as 1989 by his father Yves. Located in Rasteau in the Rhône Valley, the estate covers around 13 to 15 hectares of vines. Jérôme Bressy, owner and winemaker, has managed the vineyard under Demeter-certified biodynamics since 2008. The estate stands out for its commitment to preserving old varieties and ampelographic diversity, favoring the authentic expression of terroir over appellation recognition.

The vineyard

Although located in Rasteau, the vineyard is classified as IGP Vaucluse, a deliberate choice that allows the free use of old and field-blended grape varieties. The plots are planted at 220 meters above sea level on clay-limestone marl soils. The vines, more than two thirds of which are between 50 and 100 years old, are trained in gobelet using traditional methods. The mixed orientation of the parcels—half southwest and half northwest—makes it possible to achieve both ripeness and freshness. Exceptionally low yields, between 10 and 15 hl/ha, result from the combination of old vines, poor soils and rigorous biodynamic practices.

The vintage

The 2013 vintage benefited from contrasting weather conditions in the Rhône Valley. After a mild winter, spring saw a few cool spells before a hot, sunny summer. These conditions allowed for optimal ripening of the grapes, encouraging aromatic concentration and complexity in the wines.

Winemaking and aging

Domaine Gourt de Mautens 2013 was harvested by hand with a three-stage selection process: in the vineyard, at the end of the rows, and upon arrival at the winery. The grapes are vinified as whole clusters in truncated-cone oak vats, with fermentation by indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place over 24 to 36 months in demi-muids and French oak foudres. The wine is neither fined nor filtered prior to bottling, thus preserving all its natural complexity.

Grape varieties

Grenache, carignan, mourvèdre, syrah, counoise, cinsault, vaccarèse, terret noir.