Gigondas Terre des Aines, Domaine Montirius 2018

Domaine Montirius is one of the Southern Rhône’s benchmark biodynamic estates, founded by Éric and Christine Saurel and today recognised for producing some of the region’s most transparent and terroir driven wines. Based in Sarrians, between Gigondas and Vacqueyras, the domaine farms around sixty hectares across a mosaic of limestone, clay and sandy soils, with all vineyards certified biodynamic since the late 1990s. The name Montirius itself is derived from the names of the family members, MON for Monique, TI for Éric’s father Elie dit Titi, and RIUS from the family surname Saurel. Éric Saurel has long been regarded as one of the pioneers of sulphur free winemaking in the Rhône, working with native yeasts, minimal intervention and élevage methods designed to preserve energy and site expression rather than weight or oak influence. The wines are known for combining the generosity of the Southern Rhône with an unusual sense of clarity, freshness and drinkability, even in more structured appellations such as Gigondas.

Gigondas Terre des Aînés is one of the domaine’s most structured and ageworthy cuvées, sourced from biodynamically farmed hillside vineyards within the Gigondas appellation where limestone rich clay soils and altitude bring both power and precision. The name “Terre des Aînés” reflects the idea of inherited land and older vine parcels, which contribute additional depth, concentration and complexity to the wine. The 2018 vintage in the Southern Rhône was warm and generous, producing wines with significant ripeness while retaining enough structure to support long ageing. Vinification is carried out with indigenous yeasts and gentle extraction, prioritising balance over power, followed by élevage in concrete and neutral vessels to preserve purity and site expression. The wine shows ripe black cherry, blackberry and plum, layered with violet, garrigue herbs, black pepper and earthy spice. The palate is full and concentrated, with firm but polished tannins, fresh supporting acidity and a long, savoury finish that reflects both the richness of the vintage and the structured, mineral driven style of the cuvée.

Origin France, Rhône Valley, Gigondas

Grapes Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Vintage 2018

Alcohol 14.5%

Style Rich, structured, ageworthy

Bottle size 75cl

Winemaking Indigenous yeast fermentation with gentle extraction and élevage in concrete and neutral vessels to preserve structure, depth and terroir expression with minimal intervention

Notes Biodynamic, Low intervention, Sustainable Viticulture