Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Galimardes 2014

Profile & Story

Marie and François Giraud's Les Galimardes vineyard, in the southern part of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, has always been part of the family's holdings. The plot carries 100-year-old Grenache, Syrah, and several white varieties on the region's characteristic rounded surface pebbles over clay, which retain heat through the growing season. The white cuvée is an equal blend — 25% each — of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Roussanne, picked before sunrise to take advantage of cool night temperatures, then gently pressed and cold-settled. Half the must ferments in demi-muid casks at 18-22°C and the rest in stainless steel, before the wine is aged for six months. It is best enjoyed young, though the producer notes it will improve for up to 15 years.