Friarwood

DOMAINE DU GRAND MONTMIRAIL
Domaine owner Yves Cheron cultivates vines just below the Dentelles de Montmirail on pebbled clay soils that lend complexity and power to his wines.

The Domaine du Grand Montmirail is owned by the Cheron family. Originally from Burgundy, Denis Cheron bought the Cave du Grand Comtadiné in Vacqueyas in the 1960's. There he vinified grapes for scores of local producers and succesfully ran a negociant firm. One of his suppliers was the owner of the Domaine du Grand Montmirail, a wonderfully situated property in the southern part of Gigondas.
When this supplier retired, offers came in from all directions for his ideally situated property. But retaining an allegiance to his friend Denis, the deed for the property was signed over to the Cheron family. Shortly afterwards, important investments were made to improve the grape varieties and to construct a winemaking cellar in the heart of the property. In the early 1980's, Denis' son Yves, a graduate in enological studies in Beaune, took over the labors at the domaine. He refurbished an old convent on the property and made it his family house, an amazing home overlooking the vineyards and Mount Ventoux in the distance.
The domaine covers more than 35 hectares planted exclusively on the hillsides and terraces, known locally as banquettes. The vineyards are situated directly on the Southern slope of the famous Dentelles de Montmirail, at the foot of the very rock face. It is a superb site, dominated by granite cliffs nearly a hundred meters in height. The vines benefit from a remarkably sunny exposure while being sheltered from the dominant wind, the Mistral. The altitude of the vineyards varies between 300 and 350 meters – among the highest in Gigondas.
 

Deep purple in colour, with aromas of raspberry and liquorice.