An introduction to Domaine Gerin
I know that John Gauntley had grown somewhat disillusioned by the wines ‘available’ in Cote Rotie. Whilst, of course, the appellation is home to legendary ‘classics’, the opportunity to represent one of the leading domaines or finding a truly exciting newcomer, appeared to be a lost cause. It was with truly great delight therefore, that we had the opportunity to add the stellar wines of Jean-Michel Gerin to our agency list. I know that John felt this was a perfect addition to our portfolio.
The Gerin family have been in the heart of the appellation for six generations and created the Domaine in 1983. Over the years, Jean-Michel has steadily increased his vineyard holding, shrewdly acquiring prime vineyard sites, which now amount to 12 ha in Cote Rotie, including the fabulous La Vialliere and illustrious, Les Grandes Places and La Landonne. He has also invested in equally well-located sites in Condrieu and St. Joseph, plus parcels of Syrah and Viognier from outside the designated ACs, from which he crafts his truly excellent IGP varietals.
Today the estate is managed by Jean-Michel’s two sons, Michel and Alexis. Following their father’s philosophy, their wines capture the essence of their terroir with a polish and voluptuous quality attained by their modern approach to vinification and elevage. This involves largely de-stemming the fruit and favouring a skilfully handled use of new oak. The wines here exude class and sophistication.
We are delighted to offer you the opportunity to purchase various six or twelve bottle mixed cases, to introduce you to these wonderful wines.
THE WINES!
Lovely purity on the nose, displaying floral, violet aromas and subtly spiced, red and black fruits. This is not a simple, fruit-driven ‘but has good structure and substance. Delicious ripe red and blackberry and currant fruit, with hints of spice
Produced on the granite terroir, 50 km south of Ampuis, like the Syrah, this shows lovely poise and finesse. Beautiful aromatic bouquet again, with notes of honeysuckle and ripe, apricot and tropical fruits with a refreshing lift of acidity.
2017 Cote Rotie, Champin le Seigneur
The richness and power of the 2017 vintage is reflected in the wonderfully ripe, blackberry fruit intermingled with hints of vanilla and spice. With just 30% new oak, (historically the Cuvee has seen 50%), the wine is beautifully balanced with well-integrated, ripe tannin and creamy texture.
Amazing depth and intensity of the vintage clearly evident again. Classic Cote Rotie aromas of sweet violet, savoury black olives and a hint of bacon fat. Wonderfully rich, blackberry fruit, harmonious and velvety with a long, lingering finish. Real class!
MIXED CASE ONE – LA CHAMPINE SELECTION 2017 LA CHAMPINE SYRAH and 2017 LA CHAMPINE VIOGNIER
Available as a 12 bottle case, containing six bottles of each wine Retail Price @ £203.70/Special introductory offer @ £173.00
Or as a 6 bottle case, containing three bottles of each wine Retail price @ £101.85/Special introductory offer @ £86.90
MIXED CASE TWO – LES TROIS ROUGE
Available as a 12 bottle case, containing 6 x La Champine Syrah, 4 x Cote Rotie Champine Le Seigneur, 2 x Cote Rotie La Viailliere Retail price @ £413.88 /Special Offer @ £351.50
Or as a 6 bottle case, containing 3 x La Champine Syrah, 2 x Cote Rotie Champine Le Seigneur, 1 x Cote Rotie La Viailliere Retail Price@ £206.94/Special introductory offer @ £175.90