Viniou Reviews
Domaine Gayda’s “Chemin de Moscou” 2016 is an acclaimed red blend from the Pays d’Oc IGP, located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. This cuvée typically combines Syrah as the dominant variety, balanced with portions of Grenache and a touch of Cinsault, although the precise blend may vary slightly by vintage. The 2016 vintage benefited from a dry, warm growing season, producing wines with ripe fruit and structured tannins. Vinification at Domaine Gayda leans towards meticulous vineyard management, manual harvesting, and minimal intervention in the winery, often involving ageing in oak to add complexity and enhance ageing potential. The resulting wine is deep and intense, displaying aromas of black fruit, spices, and subtle hints of garrigue, with supple tannins and a lingering, elegant finish.
The Languedoc-Roussillon region is renowned for its diverse terroirs and Mediterranean climate. This area’s sunny days and cooling sea breezes foster optimal ripening of the grapes, contributing to their rich concentration and expressive aromatic profile. The soils here are varied, with a mixture of clay, limestone, and schist, which impart further complexity to the wines. Historically, Languedoc-Roussillon has shifted in recent decades from bulk wine production to a strong focus on quality and innovation, setting a benchmark for modern winemaking in southern France.
Chemin de Moscou’s robust style makes it an excellent companion for hearty dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled lamb cutlets, duck breast, or a rich cassoulet, all classic choices from the southwest of France. The wine’s spiciness and depth also complement Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as ratatouille, wild mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses like Comté and Manchego.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour before serving to allow it to breathe and fully express its nuances. The ideal serving temperature is 16-18°C. This will ensure the wine reveals its full aromatic potential while retaining freshness and structure. Chemin de Moscou 2016 is approachable now but promises further development with a few more years in the cellar.
