Gabriel Meffre expands its vineyard footprint in Gigondas

Maison Gabriel Meffre has acquired a further 4ha of vines in the Gigondas appellation in the souther Rhône, further expanding its foothold in the region.

One of Gabriel Meffre existing vineyards in Gigondas

It will see the group expand its vineyard used to produce wines under the Domaine de Longue Toque brand, which is are currently in its second year of conversion to organic, to 32 hectares.

The appellation is divided by the Dentelles de Montmirail, a small mountain range at 400 metres altitude that greatly influences winegrowing across the Giogondas appellation. The vines are planted on marl and limestone from the Cretaceous period and are covered in limestone scree, east of the “Col du Cayron”.

The vineyards – trained on narrow terraces – are situated in a corridor separating the “Dentelles Sarrasines” from the “Crête des Trois Yeux”. Flanked by woodland, the vines enjoy a particularly cool climate, producing wines of “exceptional finesse and a broad aromatic palette”, according to the producer.

“The next step will be to completely restructure the vines, to raise them to our quality standards,” said Antoine Dupré, Gabriel Meffre’s vineyards director. “It’s a magnificent terroir, low in yield, but high in quality”.

Etienne Maffre, managing director of Gabriel Meffre

The site will become key for the group’s Domaine de Longue Toque brand in the future, and an “undeniable asset for future blends as well as the development of parcel selections”, the release added, as well as supporting the group’s commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility.

“This recent acquisition is fully aligned with the strategic objectives of the Winery for 2017-2021,” said Etienne Maffre, managing director of Gabriel Meffre. “To consolidate our position in the Rhône Valley allows us to better control the quality of our wines”.

“In 2015, we were one of the first Wineries of the Rhône Valley to be evaluated “Responsible” according to the AFAQ 26000 standards.

“By investing further in vineyards in Côtes du Rhône, we are also demonstrating the importance we attach to this exceptional viticultural heritage. We want to preserve and expand it, sustainably of course.”