Viniou Reviews
Château La Croix des Pins’ “Les Dessous des Dentelles” 2022 from Gigondas is a striking expression of the southern Rhône. Styled as a classic red blend, it is most likely composed predominately of Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre, as is traditional in Gigondas. The 2022 vintage experienced a warm and dry growing season, which concentrated the ripe red and black fruit flavours and added depth to the tannin structure. The terroir of Gigondas, famed for its stony soils interspersed with red clay and the distinctive limestone outcrops of the Dentelles de Montmirail, imparts both power and a balancing freshness to the wine. After careful hand-harvesting, the grapes are typically destemmed and undergo a lengthy maceration before fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, followed by maturation in a mix of concrete and, sometimes, large old oak vessels to preserve fruit purity and accentuate the wine’s structure.
Gigondas sits within the Southern Rhône, just northeast of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and is surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The Mediterranean climate is marked by hot, dry summers tempered by the cooling mistral wind, which helps protect vines from disease and intensifies aromatics. The region’s history stretches back to Roman times, and Gigondas wines have built a reputation for their generous fruit, spice, and ageworthiness, making them among the most admired in the southern Rhône.
This robust red pairs beautifully with grilled lamb cutlets brushed with rosemary, a slow-cooked daube de boeuf Provençale, or a cassoulet. The wine’s tannic backbone and notes of black cherry, garrigue herbs, and warm spice enhance dishes with depth and savoury complexity. For a regional match, opt for Provençal ratatouille or charcuterie with olives and tapenade.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Gigondas at 16-18°C, ideally after decanting it for an hour. This will allow the wine’s expressive aromatics and supple texture to open up fully, revealing all the subtle nuances this superb terroir has to offer.
