Description
Wine Details
Vinification/ Aging: In Cote Rotie, the grapes are partially destemmed. The Syrah and Viognier are co-fermented. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel. All the work in the vineyards is 100% organic. The wines are aged in 50-70% new, French oak barrels for between 18 to 20 months. The percentage of new oak and time for barrel aging depends on the cuvee and the character and quality of the vintage.
Alcohol Grade: 13.5%
Aging Potential: 10+ years
Best to have it: 16ºC
Size: 750 ml
The Producer: Pierre Gaillard
Domaine Pierre Gaillard, located in Malleva, is a relatively new producer in the Cote Rotie appellation. The domaine was founded in 1986 with only .25 hectares of vines. If you recall the parable, “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow,” this is clearly what has taken place with Domaine Pierre Gaillard.
Prior to founding his own estate, Pierre Gaillard was experienced in everything to do with Cote Rotie. In fact, Pierre Gaillard helped plant the first vines used in the famous wine of La Turque for Guigal.
Today, Domaine Pierre Gaillard owns 25 hectares vines in the Northern Rhone. However, he is in charge of 77 hectares of vines in total. The cellars are situated in the Malleval commune.
Much of their vineyards in Cote Rotie are located in the Cote Rozier lieu-dit, with its steep, granite and schist soils. They also own vines in the La Vialliere, Champet and Fongeant lieux-dits.
The majority of the grapes are sourced from Gaillard’s estate vineyards that run along the steep slopes facing east and south-east in Malleval that plunge down to the Rhone. Gaillard insists on low yields for his wines. He believes it contributes to the St. Joseph terroir’s denser personality and promotes the more obvious mineral impact.90% Syrah, 10% Viognier.
