Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Giraud (Domaine) 2018

Lot presentation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Giraud (Domaine) 2018

The wine

As proof of their fondness for tradition, of the heritage passed down by their parents, of their attachment to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and of their passion, François and Emilie Giraud have named their cuvée « Tradition ». Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (which make up this cuvée) have been grown on sandy soil with rounded pebbles and clay. Depending on the vintages, the grapes have been totally destemmed. Gentle extraction methods are used and fermentation lasts about a month with a cold process at the start. François and Emilie Giraud wished to conserve the intensity of the aromas of their wine, and no fining nor filtration is used. It has a beautiful cherry-red hue with aromas of stewed kirsch cherry and it is rounded, voluminous and indulgent on the palate. It should be enjoyed when young, on the fruit. Fortunately however its ageing potential is estimated at 20 years.

About the Producer Domaine Giraud

Pierre Giraud and his wife Mireille, the parents of François and Marie who now run the domaine, set up shop in 1974 on rented land. Pierre's mother, Eliane was an Armenier, a family of winemakers based in Châteauneuf for six centuries (known today as Domaine de Marcoux). To begin with, the Girauds sold their grapes to negoçiants but in 1982 they took the plunge and built their own winery. In 1987, the four members of the family shared out the vines and Mireille and Pierre also inherited another eight hectares of vines, some aged over 100 years. It was only in 1998 that Pierre Giraud started bottling and selling his wine and Domaine Giraud was born. Mireille and Pierre began their oenology studies this same year too and over time, with the help of their parents, they took over the running of the domaine. In 2001, the family invested in new equipment for the vinifications. The now 19 hectares are spread out over the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in the La Crau, Les Terres Blanches, Les Gallimardes and Pignan (close to Rayas) lieux-dits.

Detailed characteristics