Fast Facts:
- 2022 Kirkland Signature Gigondas, France ($13.99 @Costco in California – Item #1134102)
I conducted a recent tasting in Arizona (hello, new followers!) and one of the pearls of wisdom I imparted was that the import wines in the Kirkland Signature portfolio have a much greater likelihood of “punching above their weight.” This wine – one of our perennial favorites – is part of the reason we have come to this conclusion.
Time and again, we keep reminding you how much we enjoy a good GSM. The melange of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre (GSM) consistently delivers high QPR. Or should we say G+S+M = QPR squared?
We have reviewed this particular bottling every year we have gotten our hands on it, and it’s nice to see that the blend (Grenache 85%, Syrah 10% and Mourvedre 5%) is unchanged. And the price has remained stable, even in this post-pandemic, inflationary world.
The wine is crafted from the fruit of old vines grown in the Grand Cru appellation of Gigondas, on some of its highest limestone vineyards in the Southern Rhone Valley. It’s a complex wine that is medium/full-bodied and rich with silky, fine tannins. The terroir helps to keep the balance and freshness in the wine, as does the relatively young vintage and the restrained use of oak.
Tasting Notes:
Good to let this one breathe a bit. Pours a medium ruby red in the glass, signaling that this is not a new world fruit bomb. Some blackberry, forest floor and wood smoke on the nose. Flavors of dried cranberries, dark cherry and black licorice. Lingering finish with flavors of cappucino, spice notes and white pepper. Nicely balanced with tame acidity and medium tannins. Would pair well with grilled and roasted lean meats and traditional Italian fare. ABV of 14.5%.
Gigondas is a relatively new Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the southern Rhône wine region of France. It is primarily a red wine region, with a very small amount of rosé wine produced. No white wines currently carry the Gigondas appellation. Considered a little brother to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the wine is moderately prestigious (it is rare to see bottles at this price!) and can age well when treated with care.
Recognition of the unique character of Gigondas was cemented in 1971 when it was awarded its own AOC, allowed to produce red and rosé wines only. The red wine has to have a minimum of 50% Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre playing the main supporting roles.
Total surface area of Gigondas today sits around 3,000 acres which is roughly one-third the size of neighbor Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Output is almost exclusively red wine with only 1% rosé produced, although some newer vineyards are being planted to white grape varieties so expect that to change in the next several years.
This is one of those Kirkland Signature wines that is sure to sell out fast. If you secure your own personal stock, let us know what you think of it in the comments section here or on our Facebook or Instagram pages.
Need More Wine Picks from Costco – or Trader Joe’s Even?
If your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.
And if your shopping finds you at Trader Joe’s, you can find our Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.
Remember as alway, let us know if you find something you think we should know about. We will give you a shout out in our review for “sniffing it out” for us.
Cheers!
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