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Walls: Celebrating 50 years of Gigondas

Gigondas’ AP status was granted in 1971, so this year actually marks the 51st anniversary of the appellation. Since 2021 saw celebrations cancelled due to Covid, Matt Walls heads down to the southern Rhône in 2022 to enjoy the rescheduled festivities.

When I have some time to myself in the southern Rhône, my favourite place to relax is the peaceful village of Gigondas. I had even more reason to visit this June, as the growers’ syndicate was celebrating the 50th anniversary of the appellation.

Over a meal at Domaine du Clos des Tourelles, we had the opportunity to taste wines spanning five decades, including a remarkable 1971 that was still very much alive and kicking.

Gigondas has long been recognised as an exceptional site for winemaking, but gaining cru status was a long and arduous journey. It would appear the syndicate’s efforts were hamstrung by a man that many see as a hero in the southern Rhône – Baron Le Roy.


Scroll down for tasting notes and scores for nine wines highlighting the remarkable ageability of AP Gigondas wines



Fifty years of AP Gigondas: a remarkable terroir


Related content:

Walls: The magic of mature Gigondas

Walls’ hidden gems: Moulin de la Gardette, Gigondas

Cairanne promoted to Côtes du Rhône cru

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