2021 Gayda La Petite Villa

A testament to the ancestral terroir of Minervois La Livinière. This blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache highlights the characteristics of the appellation and the biodiversity of the terroir. Whilst respecting tradition, it is also in tune with the times. ‘La Petite Villa’ starts us off on the road to "Villa Mon Rêve".

Made from 50% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache from vineyards at La Livinière (Plateaux calcaire/Limestone plateaus)

Vinification: Hand harvesting at optimum ripeness with 1/3rd of whole bunches, 2/3rds de-stemmed without crushing. Natural fermentation and light pumpovers and punchdowns during 4 weeks maceration.
Aged for 21 months in 228 litre French oak barrels, 500 litre ‘demi-muids’ and 2000 litre ‘foudres’ - 12 months maturation of the final blend.

Tasting Notes: In the glass, this AOP Minervois La Livinière cuvée reveals a dark cherry colour with garnet highlights, heralding a full-bodied, expressive wine. On the nose, a bouquet of black fruit and spices reveals notes of black cherry, blackberry and clove. This initial nose is supported by fresh aromas of peppermint and sweet cocoa bean notes. On the palate, a fine structure emerges with a supple, intense attack, offering a pleasant velvety texture and a spicy finish with young but promising tannins. Aromas of black fruit, garrigue, cocoa, pink pepper and fresh tobacco unfold fully, offering a rich, complex taste experience.

Press: Gayda does Syrah with succulence and style. Rich, but not opulent or over the top. The tannins feel like cacao husks, at first, then melt, like chocolate. It tastes like cherry-chocolate gâteau, and then plums and liquorice and black olives. It's broad, muscular; shoulders and shove within a frame of mannered elegance.” 16.5/20 Jancis Robinson (TC).