Thierry and Gilles Faravel’s Domaine la Bouissiere in Gigondas is exceptional in many ways, but perhaps apart from the personality of Thierry himself, it is the site of the vineyard, high up under the ‘Dentelles de Montmirail’ which makes the defining difference.
In contrast to the vines being baked on the plains of stones at the foot of the hill, the Bouissiere vines benefit from cooling air at night falling from the high peaks, and the wines retain a freshness and subtle persistence which is very different to the sometimes bludgeoning broadness and alcoholic heat of the wines on the plain.
Gilles and Thierry Faravel employ non-interventionalist practices to make wines as naturally as possible, resulting in wines of immense concentration and depth, with true vibrancy and the capacity to age ten to fifteen years.
They’ve come back to 80% whole bunch fermentation – as Thierry says, it’s their form of acidity, it gives the wines more energy and tension, and stops them getting too heavy.
Production
‘Les Amis’ is made from a blend of fruit from Gigondas and lower lying vineyards next to the River Ouvèze – dominated by Syrah, with smaller proportions of Grenache: the inclusion of a small amount of Merlot and Caladoc account for the humble ‘Vin de France’ classification, but don’t let that put you off – Boussiere employ the same approach to careful cultivation and vinification for this wine as all of their more prestigious crus.
Tasting Notes
Wonderfully fresh and vibrant Southern Rhone red, with rounded bramble and plum fruit, a touch of spice, fine tannins, and a pleasant vegetal touch from the use of whole bunches.
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