Red dry
The oldest estate in Gigondas, renowned for its profound connection to the local terroir and its long-standing winemaking tradition. This is a domaine where Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault are expressed with exceptional sensitivity to place: the tension of limestone and sandy slopes, the aromatic imprint of Mediterranean garrigue, and the structural depth imparted by ancient volcanic soils. Gigondas is interpreted here as Louis Barruol himself understands it – powerful, yet aristocratic and subtly refined.
On the nose, the wine opens with layers of black cherries, plums, blackberries and blueberries. They are joined by tones of wild Provençal herbs, black pepper, cloves, a gentle smoky nuance, and a mineral graphite hint.
On the palate, the wine is rich, dense and precisely balanced. Grenache contributes warm, supple fruit; Syrah adds a spicy backbone; Mourvèdre brings structure and longevity. The tannins are silky and refined, gliding slowly across the palate. Acidity is moderate, providing energy and tension. Flavours echo dark berries, herbs, spice and a long-lasting, mineral, slightly saline finish.
The vines grow on soils of limestone, clay and sand, scattered with large fragments of stone. These slopes offer natural coolness and allow the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving both concentration and freshness.
Fermentation takes place with native yeasts to preserve the purity of the site. Ageing combines used French oak and concrete vats, maintaining fruit clarity, structural finesse and the estate’s hallmark elegance.
Serve at 16-18°C with roasted game, stewed meat dishes, or strong mature cheeses.
Château de Saint Cosme is the leading estate of Gigondas and produces the appellation’s benchmark wines. Wine has been produced on the site of Saint Cosme since Roman times, evident by the ancient Gallo-Roman vats carved into the limestone below the château. The property has been in the hands of Louis Barruol’s family since 1490. Henri and Claude Barruol took over in 1957 and gradually moved Saint Cosme away from the bulk wine business. Henri was one of the first in the region to work organically beginning in the 1970s. Louis Barruol took over from his father in 1992, making a dramatic shift to quality, adding a négociant arm to the business in 1997, and converting to biodynamics in 2010. The estate is in the heart of Gigondas where 15 hectares of vineyard grow in the shade of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The limestone that distinguishes Gigondas from other southern Rhône appellations is visible on the jagged cliffs of the Dentelles. In addition to Gigondas and the old-vine selection Gigondas Valbelle, three single-vineyard Gigondas are produced: Hominis Fides, Le Claux, and Le Poste. Louis Barruol owns an additional 10 hectares of vineyard in Violès outside of Gigondas to produce Les Deux Albions Blanc IGP.
