Wines Gigondas Château La Croix Des Pins - Mv19 - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Château La Croix des Pins 2019, Cuvée Mv19 from Gigondas is a red wine that beautifully embodies the southern Rhône's characteristic elegance and power. This cuvée likely comprises a classic regional blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, grapes which thrive in the warmth of the Rhone valley. The 2019 vintage stands out for its ripeness, concentration, and expressive character, thanks to a growing season marked by ample sunshine and optimal ripening conditions. Expect a deeply coloured wine offering aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, garrigue, and hints of pepper and spice. The palate reveals a generous structure, silky tannins, and lingering notes of dark fruit interwoven with subtle oak nuances, indicating thoughtful vinification and a period of barrel ageing to polish the wine’s robust profile.

Gigondas, situated on the southern edge of the Rhône Valley, benefits from a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and the cooling influence of the mistral wind. The vineyards are set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dentelles de Montmirail, where the stony, limestone-clay soils encourage deep rooting and concentration in the grapes. Historically overshadowed by its neighbour Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas has, over the past decades, gained a reputation for producing complex, ageworthy reds with a unique sense of place, thanks in part to its distinctive terroir and ancient winemaking heritage.

Given the wine's richness and structure, it is a fine match for robust dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shanks with rosemary, duck breast with cherries, or a classic Provençal daube. Regional pairings such as grilled wild boar or ratatouille enriched with herbes de Provence also complement the wine’s earthy, aromatic profile.

For optimal enjoyment, decant this Gigondas for at least an hour before serving to allow the bouquet to fully express itself. Serve at 16-18°C to balance the wine's generous fruit, structure, and subtle spicy notes, ensuring a harmonious tasting experience. This 2019 vintage has excellent ageing potential, should you wish to cellar it for additional complexity over the next 5-8 years.