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2003 Tardieu Laurent Gigondas Vieilles Vignes

2003 Tardieu Laurent Gigondas Vieilles Vignes

Wine Details for 2003 Tardieu Laurent Gigondas Vieilles Vignes

Type of Wine Rhone (Other) : Rhone wines come from southern France, where a wide variety of grapes are cultivated. Some of the most commonly used varietals within this region are Syrah, Grenache Noir, Carignan, and Cinsaut for red wines, while white blends are typically based on Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Carignan Blanc, Grenache Blanc and others.
Varietal Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.

Country France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world.



For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide.



France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity.



France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.



With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.


Region Rhone : While the Northern Rhone produces only about 5% of all wine coming out of the Rhone Valley, the quality of these bottles is not to be underestimated. The terroir in this region is heavenly for growing Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne or Rousanne - the only permitted grapes in the AOC. Picture this - the Rhone flows through the valley like an azure thread piercing the landscape, a reflection of the dreamy skies hovering above the vineyards, ready to produce rainfall at a moment's notice. The rocky soil of the steep, almost surreal hillsides provides a bountiful feast for the grapevine roots. The flavors and texture of Northern Rhone wines tell you everything you need to know as soon as your lips touch the elixir, like a whisper in the vigorous valley winds

As per the Southern Rhone wine, it is like taking a plunge into a whirlpool of juicy flavor. Every sip explodes forward like a crashing tsunami, bathing your tastebuds in delicious aromas of prune, chocolate, grass, and black fruit. The wines are so compelling that it can be hard to drink them casually at a social event without getting lost in their intricate textures and emotional depths. Let's set sail together, and drink deep from these luxurious bottles with our friends and loved ones.

Overview

Producer Tardieu Laurent : The wines of Tardieu Laurent have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few decades, becoming one of the hottest names on the market. The negociant firm is responsible for the production of some of the finest wines from the best fruit in preeminent winegrowing locations in the Rhone Valley of France. These choice plots were achieved through honest connections and an emphasis on community. Michel Tardieu has succeed in developing a reputation as one of the finest producers in the region; working to build relationships with 60-70 different vignerons all harvesting wines from vineyards with 50-100 year old vines, throughout the Northern and Southern Rhone.

The company was formed in 1994, by Dominique Laurent and Michel Tardieu; men with completely different backgrounds, but shared philosophical principles that mirrored both of the men’s vision. Years after its creation the partnership was dissolved, and Michel Tardieu assumed entire control of Maison Tardieu Laurent. His diligent efforts have swelled the company’s reputation and that of its wines, increasing production and exportation.

The once-maligned title of negociant has reclaimed its prominence in recent decades, becoming an essential element in the world of wine. As a negociant eleveur, Tardieu Laurent is greatly involved in the viticultural process. He is actively walking the vineyards, helping in the selection process and is highly in-tuned with the winemaker in order to produce the highest quality wines achievable. Select barrels are sent to the growers, in which they want the wine raised. Once the wines have finished fermentation, the barrels are then transferred back to the cellars of Tardieu Laurent for aging before bottling.

Since Tardieu Laurent does not own vineyards, their main focus is on obtaining the best sources possible with old vines from growers that seek low yields. The firm sources fruit from a myriad of Rhone appellations including; Condrieu, Cornas, Crozes-Hermitage, St. Joseph, St. Peray, Languedoc, Cotes du Rhone, Hermitage, Cote Rotie and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Each of Maison Tardieu-Laurents’ wines aim to express the distinct terroir of origin. They are able to do this by choosing organic and biodynamic agriculture as much as possible. To ensure this, their long-term personal relationships with the vignerons are of utmost importance, as their trust and mutual respect for each other lay a strong foundation for the Tardieu-Laurent wines.

The Maison Tardieu Laurent portfolio is an impressive collection of red, white and rose wines including, Cote-Rotie, Cotes-du-Rhone, Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, St. Joseph Blanc, St. Peray, Bandol and Tavel rose, with a large portion being Vieilles Vignes, meaning ‘old vines’. Creation of each label is limited since only a few barrels of any single wine are produced each year. Tardieu Laurent’s rise to international stardom has increased demand, and with low production of each label, the wines become elusive, quickly. Jerry Clark, The Wine Maven, collector, wine writer and critic once exclaimed, “Whenever I see ‘Tardieu Laurent’ on the label, I buy his wine.”

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