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Red dry
'Le Claux' is one of the most historically significant vineyards of 'Château de Saint Cosme', a tiny 1.8-hectare parcel in the Gigondas appellation. The vineyard was first planted in 1870, and only a small proportion of the original vines survived the phylloxera epidemic. Today, the vines have an average age of around 60 years. This exceptional parcel and its naturally low yields are central to the character of 'Le Claux' – the wine is defined not by sheer power, but by concentration, aromatic complexity and mineral structure.
On the nose, cherries, wild strawberries and dark berries are complemented by savoury herbs, white truffle, dried flowers and subtle earthy tones. As the wine opens, the aromatic profile becomes deeper and more complex, revealing further layers of spice and stony minerality.
On the palate, the wine is concentrated, firm and mineral-driven, yet retains elegance and freshness. Lively acidity gives the wine tension, while mature, precise tannins provide a long and clearly defined structure. The fruit character is complemented by savoury herbs, spices and stony mineral notes. The finish is long, dry and layered, with lingering notes of cherries, herbs, spices, truffle and minerality.
'Le Claux' is fermented with whole bunches and subsequently aged for around 12 months in French oak barrels: approximately 20% new, 50% second-use and 30% third-use barrels. The wine is unfiltered.
Serve at 16–17 °C; pair with beef cheeks in red wine sauce, roast venison with wild mushrooms, or lamb loin with rosemary and roasted root vegetables.
Entirely crafted from Grenache Noir, some of which was planted in 1880, the 2021 Gigondas le Claux from Chateau de Saint Cosme reveals a delicate, perfumed bouquet of violet, licorice, dark berries and smoke. Medium to full-bodied, layered and rich in texture, it's framed by bright acids and a tense texture that segues into an ethereal, long and delicately peppery finish. In the context of the vintage, this is a great effort. Oct 31, 2024
Château de Saint Cosme is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the southern Rhône Valley, located in the Gigondas appellation. The estate’s history dates back to the 16th century, and today it is run by Louis Barruol, representing the 14th generation of the family dedicated to preserving and developing this exceptional domaine.
The winery is renowned for its organic and biodynamic viticulture and for its highly precise work in the cellar. The vineyards grow on limestone, clay, and sandy soils, which give the wines structure, mineral tension, and remarkable ageing potential.
The estate’s flagship grape variety is ‘Grenache’, alongside ‘Syrah’, ‘Mourvèdre’, and ‘Cinsault’. Grapes are harvested by hand, fermentation is carried out with native yeasts, and ageing often takes place in old oak barrels or concrete vats to preserve the purity of the terroir and the authenticity of the wine.
Château de Saint Cosme wines are known for:
expressive yet balanced fruit character
elegant structure
pronounced minerality
excellent ageing potential
The estate is widely regarded as a benchmark of Gigondas, respected both in France and internationally as one of the most authentic expressions of the Southern Rhône.
