Grape: Grenache (80%), Mourvèdre (20%)
Region: Giagondas, France
Perfect With: Lamb rack, steak or aged comte
Ageing Potential: Drink now - 2030
Size: 750mL

Why You'll Love It?

Domaine Santa Duc was founded in 1874 and has been under the reign of winemaker Yves Gras since 1985. He is one of the great characters of the region and is renowned for producing wines which are powerful evocations of the local terroir. In Southern France, the scrubland habitat of the dry calcareous plateaux adjacent to the Mediterranean is known as ‘garrigue’. The intense aromas of native shrubs such as lavender, rosemary, sage, and thyme are an omnipresent feature of the garrigue landscape, and wines which are infused with these native aromas are highly prized for their typicity.  The estate was actually named after a bird native to the region, called the Grand-duc owl or the "Canta duc" in Provencal, which eventually became the "Santa Duc". The 2011 Santa Duc Prestige des Hautes Garrigues is a blend of 80% grenache and 20% mourvedre sourced from vines averaging 35-90 years old, partially destemmed and macerated on skins for 2 months and aged 18 months in 100% new oak casks. Beautifully expressive of its terroir and a wine with great staying power.

Tastes Like?

Intensely concentrated nose offering a smorgasbord of ripe blackberries, blackcurrant, violets, cinnamon and kirsch with similar flavours on the palate. Full bodied, powerful and rich palate with voluptuous tannins and a meatiness from the Mourvedre. Lovely long finish.