This takes me back a ways. Gigondas and Gattinara were amongst the first great wines I was introduced to back in the day and of course, I had no reference points to compare them to, which is confusing if you think about it. When you taste them you know they are special but just how special means you have to taste a lot more of what's out there for perspective.
Gigondas is a southern Rhone Valley wine appellation comparable to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but usually at a better price. The wine must be at least 50% Grenache with Mourvedre and Syrah usually making up the balance. The southern Rhone has alluvial soils with red clay, gravel, sand and limestone. The climate is Mediterranean.
Gattinaras are a DOCG Nebbiolo-based wine from the Verceli province of the hallowed Piedmont region of Italy. Bonarda and Vespolina grapes are allowed in the wine but it still must be 90% Nebbiolo. The appellation soils are red in color and rocky with granite and iron composition. The region has a Continental Climate with the much desired diurnal temperature swing that works so well ripening red wine grapes.
A Gigondas has aromas and flavors of red fruit, plum, herbs and white pepper. With age, you may get licorice, dark chocolate, mocha and tobacco. The Gattinara nose shows floral and spicy aromas while the flavors are a dry and complex mix of fruitiness, earthiness and minerality. Both wines would complement roasted or grilled red meats and aged cheeses.
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