# Gigondas La Louisiane (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine Saint Damien
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €30
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, raspberry, violet, black pepper, plum, liquorice, leather, game

## About this wine

Domaine Saint Damien is a historic family estate in the Southern Rhône, with winemaking roots dating back to 1821. Founded as a bottled domain in 1979 by Joël Saurel and named after Saint Damian, the estate is now run by his son, Romain Saurel. The 'La Louisiane' cuvée originates from a dedicated single-vineyard lieu-dit situated on the middle terraces of Gigondas. Featuring certified organic old vines—some planted as far back as 1942—the plot produces dense, structured red wines that reflect the stony, red-clay soils of the appellation.

## Interesting facts

- The Grenache vines in the 'La Louisiane' vineyard were planted in 1942 during World War II.
- The domaine is named after Saint Damian, an early Christian physician-martyr commemorated in a nearby chapel.
- Wine from this single vineyard is matured in massive 5,000-liter oak foudres rather than small barrels.

## Food pairing

The full body, elevated alcohol, and firm tannin structure of this Gigondas require bold, savory foods rich in fat and protein. The proteins in roasted game and red meat help soften the wine's muscular tannic grip, while earthy herb-driven dishes complement its deep garrigue profile.

## Wine making process

The grapes are 100% hand-harvested and completely de-stemmed before entering temperature-controlled concrete vats. Fermentation and extended skin maceration last six weeks, allowing for optimal extraction. The blend is assembled post-vatting and then aged for 12 months in large traditional 5,000-liter oak foudres. To preserve the purity and concentration of the old-vine terroir, the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal intervention.