The face of the domaine as far as Uncorked is concerned is the indomitable Marie Giraud, who has lost count of the number of generations, or even centuries that her family has owned it. Beginning to take over in 1998, the current generation already has several notable firsts for the family to its name. Marie and her brother Francois were the first to bottle their own wine rather than sell it in tanker lots and were the first to take it organic. They began conversion in 2008 and achieved full status in 2011, which is therefore their first fully organic vintage.

The 64 different vineyard plots - yes, 64, encompass as is traditional a range of soil types and grape varieties, with Grenache dominating - much of it very old, plenty of Mourvedre and some young Syrah, which is adding much to the blends. Organic in the vineyards, in the cellar Marie and Francois eschew the use of wood, preferring concrete for the red wines and stainless for the white. This approach results in wines characterised by exemplary purity and freshness, while lacking nothing in ripeness. It`s a brilliant young Domaine with an immense history. (CW 01/03/13)