The E. Guigal winery is one of the most respected wine producers in the Rhône region of France. With a fascinating history, a variety of soil types and passionate owners, the winery has earned an outstanding reputation in the wine world. In this article, we will discuss in detail the history of the winery, the different soil types and the charismatic owners.
I. History of the E. Guigal Winery:
The roots of the E. Guigal winery go back to 1946 when Etienne Guigal founded the company. Etienne came from a family of winemakers and brought his passion for wine to his own winery. The winery began in humble circumstances with a small parcel of land in Ampuis, a picturesque village in the northern Rhône.
Through hard work and the pursuit of quality viticulture, the winery quickly succeeded in making a name for itself. In 1961, Marcel Guigal, Etienne’s son, took over the management of the winery and continued the tradition of excellence. Marcel recognized the immense potential of the vineyards in the southern Rhône and began to cultivate them with great care.
Marcel Guigal was a visionary and contributed significantly to the success story of the winery. Under his leadership, the winery grew steadily and established itself as one of the region’s leading producers. His dedication to quality and commitment to manual labour shaped the style and character of Guigal wines.
Today, the third generation, represented by Philippe Guigal, continues the legacy. Philippe has taken the winery to new heights and continued to build its reputation. He is a passionate winemaker who respects the traditions of his ancestors while bringing innovative approaches to winemaking. Under his leadership, the E. Guigal estate has maintained its place as one of the best wine addresses in the world.
II The different types of soil:
The Rhône region is known for its diverse soil types, which give the wines their distinctive characteristics. The E. Guigal winery benefits from this geological diversity and skillfully uses it to produce wines of exceptional quality.
Slate soils: In the steep vineyards of the Northern Rhône, especially in the Côte-Rôtie appellation, we find slate soils. These soils retain heat and allow the vines to make the most of the terroir. Wines grown on slate soils are known for their elegance, delicate structure and finesse.
Clay and limestone soils: In the vineyards of the southern Rhône, including appellations such as Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, we find clay and limestone soils. These soils provide excellent drainage and are rich in minerals. The wines that grow on these soils are often powerful, full-bodied and expressive.
The winemakers at E. Guigal know how to take advantage of the particularities of the different soil types and express the characteristic qualities in their wines. This in-depth knowledge of soil characteristics is a key element in the winery’s success.
III Passionate owners:
The owners of the E. Guigal winery have used their passion, expertise and dedication to winemaking to make the winery what it is today.
Etienne Guigal, the founder of the winery, laid the foundation for its success. His experience and knowledge were carried on by his son Marcel Guigal, who led the winery to international recognition. Marcel was a prominent figure in the wine world and brought innovative ideas to winemaking.
Philippe Guigal, the current owner of the winery, continues the family tradition and successfully leads the winery into the future. He is known for his passion for wine and his pursuit of excellence. Philippe has developed the winery and set new standards without neglecting the traditions and values of the family.
2019 Cote-du-Rhone E. Guigal
The 2019 Côtes du Rhône from Guigal is a remarkable red wine that showcases the rich and vibrant character of this renowned wine region in France. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this vintage exemplifies the expertise and passion of the Guigal family.
In the glass, the wine displays a deep, garnet colour with hints of purple at the rim, indicating its youthful nature. The nose immediately captivates with a seductive blend of ripe dark fruits and aromatic spices. Blackberries and black cherries take centre stage, accompanied by notes of plums and a touch of blueberries. These luscious fruit aromas are interwoven with enticing hints of cinnamon, clove, and black pepper, adding depth and complexity to the bouquet.
On the palate, the wine offers a harmonious balance between its generous fruit flavours and well-integrated tannins. The ripe black fruits discovered on the nose make a commanding presence, with blackberries and cherries leading the way. The fruit is wonderfully juicy, displaying a perfect ripeness that speaks to the exceptional quality of the vintage. Alongside the fruit, there is an intriguing undertone of dried herbs, lending an earthy and savoury character to the wine.
As the wine evolves in the glass, additional layers of flavour unfold. Nuances of liquorice, cocoa, and vanilla emerge, adding a delightful touch of sweetness and enhancing the overall complexity. The oak influence is well-managed, providing structure and elegance without overpowering the fruit.
