Domaine de Longue Toque
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Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail in the South of France, Domaine de Longue Toque has been crafting exceptional wines for over a century. Now, as part of Maison Gabriel Meffre, this prestigious estate has become synonymous with excellence in winemaking. We invite you to join us, along with our special guest from the winery, for an incredible night featuring the beautiful small-production wines of Côtes du Rhône.
Join us on October 13th as we experience the French excellence of Domaine de Longue Toque wines paired with innovative dishes by Chef Justin Hayes. These exquisite Gigondas wines have all received highly favorable ratings, consistently scoring 90+ points, and we will be lucky enough to try the first-ever released white Gigondas of 2023.
Friday, October 13, 2023
$125 Per Guest ++
6:00pm Reception | 6:30pm Dinner
Discover the Mosaic of Terroirs
These vineyards are spread across a mosaic of terroirs, each drawing its distinctive character from different geological layers, altitudes, and exposures. This diversity allows them to produce six outstanding appellations over 43 hectares:
Gigondas
Vacqueyras
Cairanne
Rasteau
Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu
Côtes du Rhône red and white
Location - Location - Location
Gigondas is a specific wine appellation located in the Southern Rhône Valley of France. It is renowned for producing high-quality red wines, primarily made from a blend of grape varieties, with Grenache as the dominant grape. This appellation boasts a unique terroir that contributes to the distinct characteristics of its wines due to the following characteristics that make its terrior unique:
1. Limestone and Marl Soil: Gigondas vineyards are primarily situated on steep hillsides composed of limestone and marl. These soils provide excellent drainage and contribute to the minerality and complexity of the wines.
2. Mediterranean Climate: The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The ample sunshine and warm temperatures promote grape ripening, resulting in wines with ripe fruit flavors and high alcohol content.
3. Elevation: Many Gigondas vineyards are located at higher elevations, which can range from 100 meters (328.084 feet) to over 400 meters (1312.34 feet) above sea level. The elevation allows for cooler nights, preserving acidity in the grapes and adding freshness to the wines.
4. Mistral Winds: The Mistral, a strong, cold, northwesterly wind, is a prominent feature of the Rhône Valley. It helps to keep the vineyards dry, reducing the risk of disease and allowing for healthy grape development.
5. Dentelles de Montmirail: These jagged limestone peaks and cliffs in the region create a unique microclimate. They can block some of the harsher effects of the Mistral winds and provide varied sun exposure, which can influence the character of the wines.
6. Grape Varieties: Gigondas primarily focuses on three grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Each contributes its own characteristics to the wines, with Grenache providing richness, Syrah offering spice and depth, and Mourvèdre adding structure and complexity.
7. Old Vines: Many vineyards in Gigondas boast old vines, some of which are more than 100 years old. Old vines tend to produce grapes with more concentrated flavors, adding depth and intensity to the wines.
8. Terraced Vineyards: The steep slopes of Gigondas are often terraced to create flat surfaces for vine planting. These terraces maximize sun exposure and help manage erosion, allowing for sustainable viticulture.
9. Biodynamic and Organic Farming: Many Gigondas producers practice sustainable and organic farming methods, enhancing the terroir's natural characteristics and preserving the health of the land.
10. Wine Traditions: Gigondas has a long history of winemaking traditions, with many winemakers employing traditional techniques such as aging in large oak foudres to preserve the authenticity of the wines.
These features contribute to the unique and sought-after qualities of the wines from this appellation, making it a distinctive and respected wine region in the Rhône Valley.
A Historic Moment: The White Gigondas
2023 is a year of celebration and innovation at Domaine de Longue Toque, as it marks the first harvest of the white Gigondas. This historic moment represents the culmination of their dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons in winemaking.
White Gigondas is a significant development in the wine world because traditionally, Gigondas wines are red. Gigondas is a renowned wine appellation in the Rhône Valley of France known for its high-quality red wines, typically made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes. The introduction of a white Gigondas represents an innovative departure from this tradition.
Several reasons make the release of white Gigondas noteworthy:
Rarity: White Gigondas is still relatively uncommon compared to its red counterpart. Its rarity adds an element of uniqueness and novelty to the wine world.
Terroir Expression: White Gigondas reflect the specific terroir of the region, including the vineyards, soil, and climate, in a different way than red wines. It allows wine enthusiasts to explore the diversity of the Gigondas terroir.
Winemaking Skill: Crafting a high-quality white wine in an appellation primarily known for reds requires a high level of winemaking skill and innovation. It showcases the expertise of the winemaker.
Taste Experience: White Gigondas offer a distinct flavor profile, often characterized by white fruit, floral, and mineral notes. It provides wine enthusiasts with a new and exciting taste experience.
Market Appeal: The introduction of white Gigondas can expand the market appeal of Gigondas wines, catering to a broader range of preferences and occasions.
In summary, white Gigondas is a noteworthy development in the world of wine because it challenges tradition, showcases the skills of winemakers, and offers wine enthusiasts a unique and diverse tasting experience within the Gigondas appellation.
Domaine de Longue Toque
Wine Dinner Menu
CHEF JUSTIN HAYES
