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E. GUIGAL
Domaine E. Guigal is one of France’s iconic wine producers with one of the world’s most sought after and collectible line-ups of wines. In 1946, the Guigal estate was founded by Etienne Guigal in Ampuis – the heart of the Côte Rôtie – in one of the greatest Syrah terroirs. With a winemaking history dating back more than 2,400 years, these slopes offered equal measures of extreme winemaking and farming challenges, juxtaposed against the gift of deep, dark, complex and age-worthy nectars born from these impossibly steep “roasted slopes”. Through the acquisition of several neighbouring properties, the Guigal range today includes wines grown across the most celebrated villages of both the northern and southern Rhône Valley, including Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Condrieu, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Tavel.
Wines produced under the Guigal label are all vinified at the historic Château d’Ampuis, an ancient “fotress” originally built in the 12th century and later expanded and renovated in the 16th century. Today, the Guigal family takes immense joy in building on the family legacy of sharing the emotions and expressions of the great wines coaxed from these rich, privileged terroirs. From the humble and delicious Côtes du Rhône, through the rare, single-vineyard Côte Rôtie bottlings, the entire range reflects the Guigal family’s tremendous pride in and dedication to showcasing the viticultural potential of this ancient winemaking region.
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2011 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ROUGE
This stunning red from the famous southern Rhône village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is comprised of a blend, built around 80% old vines Grenache, with 10% Syrah, and the final 10% made up of Mourvedre and small bits of other local grapes. Overall, the vineyards used to produce this fine red average more than 45 years of age. With the potential to age and evolve over the next 15-18 years, this red is a perfect selection to enjoy today with full-flavoured meat dishes, and watch evolve over the next decade or two.
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WITH FOOD
Fine Châteauneuf-du-Pape such as this is a carnivore’s dream wine. This burly, spicy, rich and complex red is one of the defining matches for red meats like beef, lamb and game. Whether we look at finer cuts adorned with velvety rich sauces or more flavourful cuts slow roasted or braised, this is a can’t miss pick. Local aromatic Rhône herbs like Rosemary, Thyme and Lavender are lovely flavour additions to your favourite “meat-tooth” indulgences.
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RECIPE IDEAS
Provencal Inspired Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb
Beef Tenderloin w/ Horseradish-Cream Sauce
Stout Braised Beef Short Ribs with Barley Risotto
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EXPERT OPINION
“…The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape (80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and the rest Mourvedre and other permitted varieties) is a great example of the vintage and has an upfront, perfumed, sexy style. Garrigue, incense, kirsch, lavender and black raspberry qualities flow nicely to a medium to full-bodied, rounded supple Chateauneuf du Pape that will drink nicely on release and evolve relatively quickly.”
–J. Dunnuck, RobertParker.com
89-92 / 100 Points
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Producer: E. Guigal
Wine: Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Origin: Southern Rhône, France
Vintage: 2011
LCBO #: 727503
Price: Sold Out! But please browse ADDITIONAL VINTAGES AND OFFERINGS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE from Guigal.