About this winery
Domaine Santa Duc was founded in Gigondas 1874 and is now led by 6th generation owner and winemaker, Benjamin Gras. After Benjamin received his diploma of oenology at the University of Bourgogne he spent time at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Bodega Vega-Sicilia learning from some of the wine world's most famous estates. The goal at Santa Duc has always been to produce top-quality fruit from impeccably tended vineyard sites, the style of winemaking has changed with each generation....
See the DOMAINE SANTA DUC detail page for more information on this brand
Product notes
A culmination of two terroirs, Les Aubes and La Ponche both found in the commune of Vacqueyras. Sandy slopes for Les Aubes, lime-chalk soil for La Ponche.
Production notes
The estate is certified biodynamic. Most of the bunches are destemmed and the wines undergo a cold maceration of about a week prior to ferments. Maceration and extraction have been reined in to emphasize elegance over power. Most of the wines age in foudres, and several wines spend time in amphorae. From an estate that used to be about ripeness and power, it has evolved rather quickly into one that's more about elegance and terroir expression.Grapes were harvested manually and were hand selected. They underwent an extended maceration and were carefully extracted. The wine was aged for 18 months in 90% Stockinger Foudres and 10% Terracotta jars (amphora).
Tasting notes
A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah from sixty-year-old vines, the organic fruits showcase flavors from the vines themselves. Woodsy, herbal, light and full of bounce, rather than the more common powerful fruit. Red cherry, raspberry, fennel, dried violets, bay leaves, and an iron rich characteristic from a small portion of clay in the vineyard. Aged in both 3600-liter foudre and 800-liter terracotta amphorae.
