Gigondas: Domaine Raspail-Ay Pontillard

The Rhône Valley is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the world, with wine production dating back to Greek occupation in the 4th century BC and thriving under the Romans; it was later revived when the papacy moved to Avignon in the fourteenth century, giving Châteauneuf-du-Pape ('the Pope's new castle') its name. The Northern Rhône is home to prestigious names such as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, and Hermitage - small-production wines of exceptional quality - where Syrah is the sole red grape and whites come from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. The larger, warmer Southern Rhône is best known for the bold Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its rival Gigondas, alongside excellent-value names such as Vacqueyras, Rasteau, and Cairanne. Its wines are predominantly red, built chiefly on Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.

Gigondas was granted appellation status in 1971, leaving the Côtes du Rhône Villages category behind. The appellation encompasses over 1,200 hectares of land to the south of the Rhône. Its name is of Roman origin, coming from the Latin word 'Jocunditas', and the town itself was founded by the Romans as a recreational site for soldiers of their Second Legion. The appellation's rules are strict, dictating that the reds must contain a maximum of 80% Grenache and a minimum of 15% Syrah or Mourvèdre, while the rosé likewise requires a maximum of 80% Grenache. Its average of 2,800 hours of sunshine a year is a great benefit, while the strong mistral wind helps to guarantee a perfect growing climate.