Famille Gras ‘Les Vieilles Vignes’ Côtes-du-Rhône, Rhône Valley, France 2022
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
Rooted in six generations of winemaking near the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Gras family—founders of Domaine Santa Duc—has long been a benchmark for the Southern Rhône. Since 1874, they’ve cultivated deep relationships with neighboring growers who share their respect for the land, selecting fruit from organically farmed vineyards that best express the region’s diversity and freshness. ‘The Old Vines’ represents this heritage: a cuvée born from the family’s devotion to authenticity, finesse, and the enduring character of the Rhône’s old vine terroirs.
- WINEMAKER: Benjamin Gras
- FARMING: Practicing Organic
- VARIETIES: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, and Carignan
- TERROIR: Sourced from old vineyards across several cooler sectors of the Southern Côtes-du-Rhône. The mosaic of soils—sands, marl, and red clay—adds layers of texture and complexity, while the influence of the Dentelles de Montmirail brings freshness and aromatic lift.
- VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested, sorted, and destemmed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Gentle pumpovers and punch-downs ensure a smooth, balanced extraction. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in stainless steel to preserve fruit purity and aromatic brightness.
- AGING: Aged in stainless steel vats to maintain freshness, supple tannins, and pure expression of fruit.
- TASTING NOTES: Medium-bodied and lively, this wine opens with notes of black cherry, kirsch, and blackberry, intertwined with hints of cracked pepper, wild herbs, and a touch of underbrush. The palate is fresh and silky, marked by vibrant fruit and subtle spice, finishing with classic Rhône warmth and balance.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Perfect with grilled lamb, roasted poultry, ratatouille, or lentil and sausage stew. Serve slightly cool to emphasize its aromatic lift.
Rooted in six generations of winemaking near the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Gras family—founders of Domaine Santa Duc—has long been a benchmark for the Southern Rhône. Since 1874, they’ve cultivated deep relationships with neighboring growers who share their respect for the land, selecting fruit from organically farmed vineyards that best express the region’s diversity and freshness. ‘The Old Vines’ represents this heritage: a cuvée born from the family’s devotion to authenticity, finesse, and the enduring character of the Rhône’s old vine terroirs.
- WINEMAKER: Benjamin Gras
- FARMING: Practicing Organic
- VARIETIES: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, and Carignan
- TERROIR: Sourced from old vineyards across several cooler sectors of the Southern Côtes-du-Rhône. The mosaic of soils—sands, marl, and red clay—adds layers of texture and complexity, while the influence of the Dentelles de Montmirail brings freshness and aromatic lift.
- VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested, sorted, and destemmed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Gentle pumpovers and punch-downs ensure a smooth, balanced extraction. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in stainless steel to preserve fruit purity and aromatic brightness.
- AGING: Aged in stainless steel vats to maintain freshness, supple tannins, and pure expression of fruit.
- TASTING NOTES: Medium-bodied and lively, this wine opens with notes of black cherry, kirsch, and blackberry, intertwined with hints of cracked pepper, wild herbs, and a touch of underbrush. The palate is fresh and silky, marked by vibrant fruit and subtle spice, finishing with classic Rhône warmth and balance.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Perfect with grilled lamb, roasted poultry, ratatouille, or lentil and sausage stew. Serve slightly cool to emphasize its aromatic lift.