Yves Gras produces ultra-ripe, multi-layered wines from his 22-ha estate in Gigondas and he has been one of the AOC leaders and one of the most consistent for a decade or more. Exchanging ideas with Pascal Verhaeghe (Le Cedre in Cahors) and Luc de Conti (Tour des Gendres in Bergerac), Yves Gras` Grenache-based wines are fruit-driven, long-lived and balanced.
"Les Blovac" Vieilles Vignes - Roughly three kilometres to the west of Gigondas, Rasteau lies to the north adjoining Cairanne to the south. The vineyards lie on the edge of what is known as the Plan de Dieu (the Plain of God), which was formed by old riverbed deposits. The exposure here is south/south east. All of the fruit is harvested at vineyards owned by Yves Gras’ cousin, and the yields are well below the 52 hecto/hectare allowed for the appellation of Côtes du Rhône Villages. The blend is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, with vines ranging between 30 and 60 years of age. The wine is big and rustic. A blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, and 15% Syrah grown on Rasteau`s steep hillsides, it reveals exuberant black cherry and blackberry fruit with a hint of espresso and chocolate.
