Our Growers:
Roger Cuillerat
Domaine des Tourelles
The Domaine des Tourelles is located in the heart of the Gigondas region. Its vine-clad chalky slopes face northwest and lie basking in the sun under the craggy peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The buildings date to the 17th century and were originally a monastery.
The estate comprises 9 hectares of vines planted for the most part about 50 years ago. It includes a high proportion of Grenache, 80%, together with Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre resulting in a full-bodied wine, with a scent reminiscent of licorice and a lingering flavor.
Grapes are harvested at the end of September or early October. This is done manually with the object of attaining the highest possible quality. The yield is low: 30 to 35 hectoliters per hectare, depending on the year.
The wine is produced using traditional methods. The grapes are lightly pressed and left to macerate for a relatively lengthy period of between 15 and 20 days, making it possible to obtain maximum tannin content and an aroma which makes it a noteworthy wine. Stored in oak barrels for between 12 and 15 months, the domaine's Gigondas wines reach their full maturity before they are bottled. The wines can be kept for several years and are at their best after 5 to 10 years.
Gigondas: The nose is marked by notes of undergrowth in a fruity ripeness; the mouth is structured, fruity, with a beautiful aromatic expression and velvety matter with beautiful tannins. These are wines to keep a long time; they reach their best after 5-8 years. A Southern Season, a well-known retail store in NC, says this of the wine:"Tourelles is kind of amazing. Unmistakably Gigondas-spicy and ripe but with a liveliness that gives lift to my spirits when I drink it."
