CHATEAU GIGOGNAN - SORGUES

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Located in the town of Sorgues, Château Gigognan sits among the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC—the best known appellation in Rhône Valley. The foundation for the entire appellation d'origine contrôlée system is based on rules outlined in 1923 by Baron Le Roy of nearby Château Fortia.

The château once belonged to the Jesuit community and was built atop the foundation of a centuries-old monastery. Its history dates back to the time of Roman colonisation.

Some of the vineyards on the estate were planted more than one hundred years ago, and are these days farmed using organic and biodynamic practices, with the the Ecocert certification awarded for whole estate in 2010.

The 30 hectares of vines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape grow in rocky soil studded with galets roules, or pebbles, covering clay. The estate’s other 42 hectares sit within a small valley in the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation, with sand and limestone soils.

The estate grows a mesh of red and white varietals, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan, Roussane, Marsanne, Clairette, Viognier, and Bourboulenc. Grapes are hand-harvested to very low yields (20 hl/ha), and are de-stemmed before fermenting in temperature-controlled tanks and wooden vats with a 10-day maceration period.

Quality and environmental responsibility are the driving forces behind the estate, which sees each vine managed with respect and in line with the natural rhythms of the terroir.