Wines Gigondas Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux - Cuvée de la Tour Sarrasine - 2015

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux’s Cuvée de la Tour Sarrasine 2015 from Gigondas represents the quintessential character of southern Rhône reds. This wine is a classic blend, typically comprising Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, with Grenache often leading the way. The 2015 vintage benefitted from an excellent growing season, yielding fruit-forward wines with ample structure and remarkable ageing potential. This wine is vinified with traditional Rhône techniques, often involving extended maceration and partial ageing in large oak vats, which helps to preserve the deep, vibrant fruit while adding complex notes of spice and earth. In the glass, expect a dense ruby colour, aromas of black cherry, raspberry, garrigue, black pepper, and hints of liquorice, complemented by ripe tannins and a long, warming finish.

Gigondas is situated in the southern part of the Rhône Valley, where the vineyards rise up along the Dentelles de Montmirail. The region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers that encourage grapes to ripen fully, often resulting in powerful yet balanced wines. Soils are predominantly composed of limestone scree and clay, which contribute to the wine’s marked minerality and depth. With a winemaking heritage dating back to Roman times, Gigondas was recognised as its own AOC in 1971 and is often regarded as one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s worthy rivals, if not just as prestigious.

Given its robust structure and aromatic intensity, this wine pairs beautifully with hearty fare. Classic Provençal dishes such as lamb shoulder with rosemary, wild boar stew, or daube provençale will find a harmonious partner in Tour Sarrasine. It also shines alongside grilled meats, roast duck, or even aged, hard cheeses like Comté or Tomme de Savoie.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine an hour prior to serving to allow its aromas to unfold. Serve at a temperature between 16-18°C. This wine is ready to drink now, but it can also continue to develop gracefully in cellar conditions for several more years.