Tardieu Laurent : Gigondas "Vieilles Vignes" 2021

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for the Gigondas "Vieilles Vignes" 2021 from Tardieu Laurent

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep red hue.

Nose

The nose reveals an enchanting bouquet dominated by Herbes de Provence and the garrigue typical of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Aromas of black cherries, blackcurrant and black raspberries mingle with notes of sandalwood, crushed pepper and Mediterranean spices.

Palate

On the palate, the wine shows a medium- to full-bodied profile, with a supple, elegant texture. The tannins are fine, firm and silky, supported by lovely freshness. The finish lingers with persistence, leaving a long, alluring impression.

Food and wine pairings

This Gigondas pairs perfectly with slow-cooked meats, lamb-based dishes, feathered game, or aged cheeses. Dishes prepared with Herbes de Provence—especially thyme and rosemary—will particularly enhance this wine.

Serving and cellaring

The Gigondas "Vieilles Vignes" 2021 can be enjoyed now but will gain in complexity with a few additional years in the cellar. A serving temperature of around 16-18°C is recommended.

An elegant, structured Gigondas from the Rhône Valley by Tardieu Laurent

The estate

Founded in 1994 by Michel Tardieu in partnership with Dominique Laurent, the Maison Tardieu Laurent has established itself as a benchmark among the Rhône Valley’s micro-négociants. This family-run company is now led by Michel Tardieu alongside his wife Michèle and their children Bastien and Camille. Bastien, a trained oenologist, oversees the winemaking, while Camille manages the commercial side. The Maison stands out for its philosophy of rigorous selection of exceptional parcels from partner growers, favoring old vines located in the historic areas of the most prestigious Rhône appellations.

The vineyard

This Gigondas comes from five carefully selected named plots: Pied-Gü, Les Teyssonnières, La Bouïssière, Les Dentelles and Le Cayron. These parcels enjoy a prime location on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a limestone and dolomite massif that provides protection and thermal regulation for the vines. The Grenache vines are of remarkable age, between 60 and more than 100 years old, while the Syrah vines are over 40 years old. These old vines develop deep root systems, allowing them to access water reserves beyond the reach of younger plantings.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage proved particularly demanding in the Rhône Valley. After an early spring in March, severe frosts in early April reached -7°C, damaging many buds. The season then saw significant rainfall and cooler-than-average temperatures. September rains allowed for complete, late phenolic ripening. Despite these climatic challenges, Grenache produced elegant, balanced wines, while Syrah delivered fresh, harmonious expressions.

Vinification and aging

The Gigondas "Vieilles Vignes" 2021 was vinified with about three quarters of the harvest in whole clusters, with the rest destemmed. This approach helps preserve tannins from the stems and volatile aromas while ensuring optimal extraction of color and phenolic compounds. Aging took place in two phases: ten months in once- and twice-filled Allier and Tronçais oak barrels, followed by twelve months in large oak vats. This total of 22 months promotes integration of the oak and the evolution of the tannins. The wine was neither fined nor filtered before bottling.

Grape varieties

Grenache (90%)
Mourvèdre (5%)
Syrah (5%)