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2011 Gigondas “Les Racines”
Domaine Les Pallières
On a cold January morning, I stood in the Racines vineyard after a tasting at Domaine Les Pallières. Daniel Brunier, co-proprietor at Pallières, was explaining the significance of the soil types and the old-vine Grenache that make this vineyard so unique. There’s nothing like a vigneron’s words to help with your understanding of wine. Daniel said the 2011 crop was tiny, but the overall quality was outstanding. The 2011 Les Racines has a deep core of dark berry fruits, notes of licorice, or réglisse, and a concentrated texture that conveys power with silkiness. If you’re searching for greatness in Gigondas, here’s where to find it.
**Extremely limited quantities, maximum four bottles per purchase**
—Steve Waters
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2011 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah & Cinsault, 5% Clairette |
Appellation: | Gigondas |
Country: | France |
Region: | Southern Rhône |
Producer: | Les Pallières |
Winemaker: | Daniel & Frédéric Brunier |
Vineyard: | 15 ha, Vineyards are situated on stepped, terraced land from the lieu-dit, Les Pallières, located around the winery and cellars (at 250 meters in altitude) |
Soil: | Red sandy clay, limestone scree |
Aging: | Wine ages in cuves for 10 months, then in foudres for 7-9 months |
Farming: | Organic (practicing) |
Alcohol: | 14.5% |
More from this Producer or Region

2020 Gigondas “Racines” MAGNUM
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Intense in both color and character, the most dense and vinous I can ever remember from this cuvée.

2020 Gigondas “Terrasse du Diable” MAGNUM
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An abundance of violets and velvet, amid a cooling sensation of a cold spring on a hot day.

2008 Gigondas “Terrasse du Diable”
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On the surface is an abundance of violets and velvet, amid a cooling sensation of a cold spring on a hot day. Below the surface lurks a bitter austerity.

2022 Côtes-du-Rhône “L’Emouvante”
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Full-bodied yet delicate, infused with the joie de vivre of the south of France.

2022 Gigondas “Racines”
France | Southern Rhône
The palate is dense and ripe, yet wonderfully smooth and elegant. Racines seems to tap into the history of Les Pallières, the prestige and the high-toned elegance.

2023 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse “Le Pigeoulet” Blanc
France | Southern Rhône
The blend is equal parts Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Clairette. Together, they create a wine that has a complex mouth-feel that finishes with a nice refreshing acidity.

2023 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Blanc
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This refreshing blend of Chardonnay and Viognier brings aromas of fresh sun-kissed peaches and cleansing rainwater.

2021 Gigondas “Terrasse du Diable” MAGNUM
France | Southern Rhône
Violets and dark berries dominate the palate, with a pleasant wild side lurking below the surface.

2022 Gigondas “Terrasse du Diable”
France | Southern Rhône
An abundance of violets and velvet, amid a cooling sensation of a cold spring on a hot day.
About The Producer
Les Pallières
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Kermit once said...

Kermit once said...
Let the brett nerds retire into protective bubbles, and whenever they thirst for wine it can be passed in to them through a sterile filter. Those of us on the outside can continue to enjoy complex, natural, living wines.
Inspiring Thirst, page 236