Famille Perrin : L'Argnée - Vieilles Vignes 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for Gigondas 2020 from Famille Perrin

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a beautiful, clear and brilliant ruby-red color.

Nose

The nose reveals an indulgent bouquet marked by aromas of fresh red fruit and strawberries. Mineral and earthy notes add complexity, alongside subtle hints of spice and peppery herbs typical of the appellation.

Palate

On the palate, the wine stands out for its balance and finesse. Silky, supple tannins wrap the palate with elegance. The fruity character lingers, enhanced by delicate spicy and peppery notes that contribute to the wine’s overall refinement. The texture charms with its roundness and freshness.

Food and wine pairings

This Gigondas is an ideal match for veal chops with morels or crispy lamb breast. It also pairs perfectly with braised red meats, spicy lamb- or beef-based dishes, as well as aged cheeses and cured meats.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve this Gigondas 2020 at a temperature of 16°C to fully appreciate its qualities.

An elegant, fruit-driven Gigondas from the Southern Rhône Valley

The estate

Famille Perrin represents six generations of winegrowers committed to producing quality wines in the Rhône Valley. Established in 1997 under the name Perrin & Fils and renamed Famille Perrin in 2010, the estate now spans seven appellations in the Southern Rhône, including Gigondas, Vinsobres, Cairanne and Vacqueyras. Pioneers of organic viticulture since 1956, the Perrins apply these environmentally friendly methods across all their vineyards. The family is now led by Jean-Pierre and François Perrin, along with their children Marc, Pierre, Thomas, Cécile, Charles and Mathieu, who carry on the values of quality and sustainability established by their predecessors.

The vineyard

This Gigondas is produced from vineyards located mid-slope among some of the appellation’s most important historic sites. The parcels benefit from a northwesterly exposure and are planted on terraces. The complex soils combine limestone, calcareous marls, clay and sand. A flow of cool air passing through a valley west of the village provides natural freshness that preserves the balance and aromatic complexity of the grapes. This geographical setting at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail gives the wines distinctive elegance and a unique aromatic finesse.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in the Southern Rhône proved generous in both quality and quantity. After a mild winter marked by a single frost episode at the end of March, spring was radiant, warm and very windy. These conditions allowed the soils to retain their freshness. The months of June, July and August were characterized by regular winds and cool, humid nights, combined with daytime temperatures that were more moderate than in 2019. These conditions kept the vines in perfect health. Harvest began on August 26 and continued through the end of September under ideal conditions. The grapes picked were very healthy, juicy and perfectly ripe, with reasonable alcohol levels and lovely natural acidity.

Winemaking and aging

The harvest is carried out by hand with rigorous grape selection. After sorting and crushing upon arrival at the winery, fermentation takes place over an extended period to maximize aromatic extraction. Manual punch-downs help control the intensity of extraction. Maceration is deliberately extended to gradually refine the tannic structure of the Gigondas 2020. After malolactic fermentation and blending, the wines are aged for about a year in large wooden foudres and oak barrels, thus preserving the wine’s fruit character and freshness.

Grape varieties

Grenache (60%)
Syrah (40%)