E.Guigal Cotes du Rhone

Etienne Guigal (aka E.Guigal) was the man who started what has now become one of the world’s most lover Rhone Valley producers.

Arriving into the region as a spotty faced 14 year old kid, Etienne working for the Vidal Fleury winery for 15 years before setting up his own gig. Etienne went on to do 67 harvests in the region and in later years his son, Marcel, actually bought his old man’s former employer (Vidal Fleury) in 1984.

It was in the 80s that E.Guigal started to make a name for itself when the world’s most influential wine scribbler Robert Parker raved about Guigal wines. “In the past 26 years I have spent visiting wineries and vignerons, I have never seen a producer so fanatical about quality as Marcel Guigal.”

This latest 2020 release scored 90/100 with the world famous Decanter, who said “Modern, lifted and a bit heady, but attractive and evocative. Black cherry inkiness segues into a dense palate where all the fruit is crammed into a structured body with drying tannins. Herbs and stones hemmed in by a firm grip. A good all rounder.”

A blend of Syrah (50%), Grenache (45%) and Mourvèdre (5%) and aged 18 months in oak before release. A medium to full bodied red that’s spicy and peppery and simply bursting with dark, red and black fruit flavours.

This is an absolute signature style Cotes du Rhone red from a world famous producer – a must try if you’re new to the Rhone Valley scene. Under cork closure it’s got solid cellaring potential of 7-8 years and makes a great partner to a wide range of meats and cheeses.