Guillaume Gros

“A former sommelier at a Michelin three-star restaurant, [Guillaume Gros] has gone into winemaking, and his debut releases are impressive” -The Wine Advocate, October 2005

Winery

After 10 years of working as a sommelier, in 2001 Guillaume Gros created his own domain in the charming village of Maubec on the slopes of the Côtes du Luberon. Naturally, the years Gros spent tasting and talking about wine as a sommelier (at such highly esteemed establishments as Caves Taillevent, Jules Verne, Guy Savoy and Arnsbourg) play a large role in what informs his approach to making wine: the wines are approachable and food-friendly. It could be argued though that the inspiration behind his choice of terroir is based more on legacy. Gros’ roots in Maubec run deep; not only was he born in the Luberon, but his great-grandfather was a winegrower in Maubec proper, producing his last vintage in 1959. Today, he continues to enjoy the good counsel of long-time locals thanks to his close relationship with mentors Alain Graillot and the Sabon family from La Janasse.

The Luberon is a stretch of land that rose from the sea and formed an isthmus between the Alps of Provence and the Mediterranean Sea. Viticulture has existed here since the Romans first brought it to the region in 120 BC. Soil composition and sun exposure varies from plot to plot; while most plots benefit from calcareous clay and marl soil types, there are some sandier plots (which some believe impart a more elegant or feminine aspect to the wine). The vineyards cover 8.11 hectares (there is one more hectare yet to be planted) exclusively in the Côtes du Luberon area. The 8.11 hectares are divided into several plots located in the villages of Maubec, Robion, Oppède, Oppède le Vieux, and Taillades. All fruit is harvested by hand, and a first sorting is done directly in the vineyards. In the cellar, no selected yeasts are ever used – fermentation is always spontaneous to preserve the local flavor of the wines.

It is with finesse rather than brute force that the wines of Guillaume Gros reveal the diverse fragrances, charm, and inviting warmth that characterize the Côtes du Luberon.

Visit the winery at domaineguillaumegros.free.fr!

Wines

Cotes du Luberon “Pourquoi Pas” 2007

50% Grenache Noir, 25% Carignan and 25% Syrah, this cuvée is produced from vineyard sites averaging 28 years of age located in Cansaou, Le Bouteiller, Saint Peyre and Biguieres. The date of harvest is determined by the optimum ripeness of the skins (as opposed to the sugar content as is the common practice locally). The grapes are picked manually with hand selection at the vineyards. After complete de-stemming, the grapes are cold-soaked for 4 days. Traditional fermentation and cuvaison take place over 3 to 4 weeks with daily pumping over. The wine is aged in tanks and large oak barrels (demi-muids) with lees stirring twice weekly. It is then blended, fined and bottled without filtration.

Pourquoi Pas clearly demonstrates the house style of purity and grace, which can only be achieved with the use of superior raw materials – in this case, grapes that were harvested at the exact peak of ripeness. Wild strawberry and raspberry aromas dominate the nose. The mouthfeel is voluptuous without being heavy-handed. Flavors of baking spice and nicely rounded tannins complete the generous structure of this exceptional Côtes du Luberon.

Production: 9300 bottles.


label

Vin de Pays “El Niño Loco” 2009


Made from 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 10% Carignan this cuvée is produced from vineyard sites with an average of 15 years of age from Cansaou, Le Bouteiller and Biguieres. As per estate policy, the date of harvest is determined by the optimum ripeness of the skins (as opposed to the sugar content, which is the common practice locally). The grapes are picked manually and then sorted by hand directly in the vineyards. After complete de-stemming, the grapes are cold-soaked for 4 days. Traditional fermentation and cuvaison take place over 3 to 4 weeks with daily pumping over. The wine is aged in tanks and large oak barrels (demi-muids) with lees stirring twice weekly. It is then blended, fined and bottled without filtration.

From the outstanding 2009 vintage, this impressive, food-friendly wine is full of fresh red fruit, floral and spicy hints, and zingy acidity. Grounded by notes of leather and forest floor, El Niño Loco is more elegant than “loco.”

Production : 8400 bottles

Domaine 2008

FUTURE RELEASE

Côteau de l’Ara 2007

FUTURE RELEASE