Why it matters
The producer
Domaine Pierre Amadieu is a family domaine in the Rhône with Gigondas at its centre. Its portfolio reaches across several appellations, while Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane is a red Gigondas made from Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. The house keeps its named red at the centre of a range that extends beyond Gigondas.
In 1929, Pierre Amadieu's grandfather founded the domaine. He decided to market bottles from seven hectares of Gigondas vineyards passed down through generations. The same domaine now makes wines from multiple Rhône appellations, extending the original Gigondas estate into a broader range of named places.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Gigondas is the home appellation. The wider portfolio includes Vacqueyras, Cairanne, Vinsobres, Tavel, Côtes du Rhône and Ventoux, as well as other Rhône appellations. An appellation is a defined place name attached to production rules, so each name marks a different origin on the label. Gigondas remains the place carried by the domaine's central red, while the other names widen the geographic range.
Wines to know
The range in view
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane is a red Gigondas made from 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah. Grenache and Syrah ferment traditionally. Mourvèdre undergoes whole bunch fermentation, a method that enhances roundness and power.
The wine ages for 18 months, with 45% in old barrels, 15% in new oak and 40% in foudres. The ageing softens the tannins, and the wine is bottled without filtration.