An Historic Roussillon institution: Domaine Gauby. I am truly excited to release their latest vintage to you here in Australia with beautiful cuvees from across the region.
Set in the heart of Roussillon, Domaine Gauby is close to Calce and only 20km northwest of Perpignan, extending across 85 hectares of land with 45 hectares dedicated to grape vines. To maintain an equilibrium and a balanced ecosystem the other 40 hectares are an array of meadows, forests and scrubland.
Gérard Gauby, along with his wife Ghislaine and their son Lionel, run the estate and has built a strong reputation for exemplary Roussillon wines. Having taken over the small family domaine of 5 hectares in 1985, Gérard has grown it to its present size through careful purchases and meticulous replanting. A section not replanted of course is the prized plot of vines which are over 100-year-old, planted by his great-grandfather.
Sitting among rolling hills, with a sweeping view of the Mediterranean on one side and a dramatic backdrop of the Pyrenees on the other, Domaine Gauby hosts a unique climate and location on which they have perfected their craft. Gérard's determination has been often credited with singlehandedly putting the Roussillon region on the radar of wine enthusiasts around the world.
Sitting in a truly unique climate and location, the domaine is exposed to strong coastal and mountain breezes as well as a high level of sunshine. Being within an environment where the roots can plunge deep into the earth is perfect for the character and complexities to blossom within the fruits. In the vineyards, their work is all about respecting the environment, keeping nature as an ally and source of inspiration through utilising several cultures and homemade remedies to replace the chemicals. Certified organic since 1996, they follow the principles of agroforestry with rows of almond and olive trees now planted between the vines to protect them from the wind and to attract wildlife.
The Roussillon has incredibly diverse soils of limestone, marl and schist which, combined with the multiple aspects within the rolling hills, have given Gérard the freedom to experiment and maximise the potential of each grape variety. The estate grows Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre for red wines made under the Côtes du Roussillon Villages AOC/AOP. Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, Macabeu and others are cultivated for the white wines, which are classified as IGP Côtes Catalanes.
Lionel, son of Gérard, is in charge of the winemaking at Domaine Gauby. His goal is to preserve the natural balance and to remain free in their choices. “We are and will remain farmers.” This is a job that allows the family to extract the quintessence of the terroirs and to seek elegance and freshness in our wines.
The wines are elegant and modern with great balance and concentration. Please enjoy the selection below today.
TASTING NOTES
JASSE WHITE 2023
Jasse is a blend of Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains and a small percentage of Muscat of Alexandria. Twenty days of skin contact before fermentation, alongside ageing for seven months in oak, gives this wine an orange hue and expressive character. It has intense aromas of fresh peach and orange blossom on the nose while the palate is beautifully textured with floral notes and citrus fruit.
CALCINAIRES WHITE 2023
Local wine from the Catalan Coasts.
The ‘Calcinaires’ Blanc is a complex blend of Grenache Blanc, Chardonnay, Macabeu and Vermentino, sourced from 20 to 50-year-old vines. It is fresh with delicate aromas of white flowers, stone fruit and a long mineral finish. Nose with notes of grapefruits, plum, orange blossom and honeysuckle. The palate has big volume with sumptuous texture and a refreshing and lingering finish. 50% Muscat, 20% Macabeu, 30% Chardonnay.
CALCINAIRES RED 2023
Coasts of Roussillon Villages.
This is fresh and vibrant, with notes of bright red and black fruit, wild rosemary and thyme, complemented by ripe, supple tannins. 15% Grenache Noir, 10% Carignan, 25% Mourvèdre, 50% Syrah.
VIEILLES VIGNES WHITE 2022
Local wine from the Catalan Coasts.
A nose with citrus and mineral notes, acacia blossom and aniseed... The palate is balanced and very fresh, with beautiful intensity and a saline finish. 40% Macabeu, 30% Grenache Blanc, 5% White Carignan, 10% Grenache Gris, 15% Chardonnay.
VIEILLES VIGNES RED 2022
Coasts of Roussillon Villages.
The ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Rouge is a harmonious blend of Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Mourvèdre sourced from vines aged up to 125 years old. The finished wine boasts rich fruit and notes of wild herbs, balanced by a lifted freshness and well-integrated tannins. 25% Grenache Noir, 35% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre, 30% Syrah.
MUNTANDA RED 2023
Coasts of Roussillon Villages.
Monumental flesh, silkiness, finesse and enormous length also characterize this wine.
Notes of black fruits, spices and flowers. Naturally the nose is still closed at this stage. On the palate: that legendary silkiness, crisp fruit, smooth and salivating. Extraordinary length. Be patient! 45% Grenache Noir, 45% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah.
COUME GINESTE WHITE 2022
Local wine from the Catalan Coasts.
A very expressive nose with floral and mineral notes, as well as brioche, citrus fruits, liquorice, pear, dried fruits, coconut... Racy and powerful, direct, sharp and very elegant, with lovely bitter notes on the finish. A wine in perfect equilibrium. 50% Grenache blanc, 50% Grenache Gris.