Domaine Giraud, located in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of France, was established in 1974 by Pierre and Mireille Giraud. Initially, they began with just 4 hectares of vines, transitioning from the distillery business to winemaking. Over time, the estate expanded, and by 1981, they had converted their family distillery into a wine cellar.
The Giraud family has deep roots in the region, with connections to the Armenier family, owners of Domaine de Marcoux. In 1998, Pierre passed the reins to his children, Marie and François, who modernized the estate while maintaining its traditions. They adopted organic farming in 2008 and achieved biodynamic certification in 2011. Today, Domaine Giraud spans 35 hectares, producing wines that reflect the rich terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
This wine boasts an alluring cherry-red hue with delicate mauve reflections. The nose is vibrant and complex, offering enticing aromas of cherry soaked in brandy and crushed plum. On the palate, it reveals a rich, rounded character with generous volume, showcasing flavors of ripe strawberry, fresh raspberry, and indulgent candied cherry jam. Its sweetness ties everything together beautifully, leaving a harmonious and lasting impression. A delightful expression of fruit-forward elegance.
Blend: 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre
93 Jeb Dunnuck The classic cuvée from this brilliant estate, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is based on 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre that was raised mostly in concrete tanks, with the balance in old barrels. Lots of ripe black cherries, new leather, Provençal herbs, licorice, and loamy earth define the bouquet, and this beautiful wine is medium to full-bodied, with silky, ripe tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It's a brilliant wine to buy a case of and enjoy over the coming 10-15 years.
93 Vinous Vivid ruby. Spice-accented black raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of garrigue and succulent flowers. Supple and seamless in texture, offering appealingly sweet and well-concentrated red berry, cherry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors sharpened by a spicy jolt of white pepper. Finishes on a repeating floral note, showing excellent clarity and polished tannins. Giraud's entry-level bottling has been going from strength to strength in recent vintages.
93 Wine Advocate Giraud's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape—a mainly tank-aged blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre—is full-bodied and plush, a velvety-textured whirl of black cherries, blackberries and raspberries that finishes long, with touches of white pepper and alcoholic warmth...it's a solid value that should drink well for more than a decade. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.
93 Wine Spectator A charming wine, featuring an open and inviting core of dark cherry, plum and raspberry compote flavors infused with sandalwood and black tea, with a flurry of licorice and sweet spice on the fleshy finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2032.
