Domaine Santa Duc : Clos Derrière Vieille 2019

A red wine from Gigondas with an alluring freshness and complexity

The estate

Located in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain chain, Domaine Santa Duc has been writing its family history since 1874. At the helm of the estate since 1985, Yves Gras and his son Benjamin produce wines which, through their quality and refinement, greatly contribute to the glowing international reputation of Rhône Valley wines.

Produced using organic and biodynamic practices since 2016, these exceptional terroirs give rise to fine wines that harmoniously express the identity of emblematic appellations such as Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras and Côtes du Rhône.

The vineyard

The Clos Derrière Vieille by Domaine Santa Duc is a Gigondas wine made from an almost abandoned parcel of land, acquired by the Gras family in 1994. The eponymous vineyard takes its name from its geographical location behind the old town. Comprising a surface area of 3.2 hectares, this north-west facing vineyard owes its uniqueness to its narrow terraces. The vines are 40 years old on average and are planted on marl and limestone-rich soils.

Vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are first sorted in the vineyard and then on a sorting table. Partial destemming, the percentage of which varies depending on the vintage. The grapes are vatted by gravity before undergoing a 20 to 30-day fermentation in stainless steel vats, with daily pumping over and punching down. Pressing in a pneumatic press followed by malolactic fermentation in vats. Aged for 18 months in oak tuns and clay jars before bottling without fining or filtration.

The blend

Grenache (80%)

Mourvèdre (10%)

Syrah (10%).

Clos Derrière Vieille 2019 by Domaine Santa Duc: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose

The pure and delicate nose blends fruity and floral fragrances.

Palate

The palate is seduced by this wine’s refreshing minerality conferred by the marl soils, along with its utterly fine tannins.