| Pierre Gonon |
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Noted Rhône wine guru John Livingstone-Learmonth has called Domaine Gonon “the
benchmark Saint Joseph domaine”. In a region with as historic a winemaking
tradition as this one, such a remark is not one to be taken lightly.
In fact, it was back in 1956 when Pierre Gonon and a handful of his grower
neighbors created and launched the appellation of Saint Joseph from vineyards
surrounding six villages in what is now known as the southern sector. In addition,
Pierre was farsighted enough in his commitment to white wine to plant Marsanne
in 1958 and today, sons Jean and Pierre, have Dad to thank for some impressive
older vines that produce small amounts of Les Oliviers, an 80% Marsanne
and 20% Roussane blend that Mr. Livingstone-Learmonth calls the best white
wine in all of Saint Joseph. Uninterested in the current trend
toward single vineyard bottlings at the expense of the “entry level” cuvées,
the Gonon brothers uphold the best virtues of the appellation system and draw
from all of their historic parcels. Nine hectares in all; average 30 year age
vines; low yields between 30 and 38 hl/ha; only natural treatments in the vineyard
and indigenous yeasts used in the cellar lend a distinct character to the crafting
of only a single white and a single red Saint Joseph cuvee. But forget about
all the facts. Put your nose in the glass and hold on for a Syrah ride the
likes of nothing you’ve ever experienced. This is the real deal!Unadulterated,
unfiltered. Respectfully and traditionally made. Must be tasted to be believed.
Truly something special! |
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