Domaine Gauby : Muntada 2021

Tasting notes and recommendations for Muntada 2021 from Domaine Gauby

Tasting

Color

The color reveals an intense, deep ruby red, beautifully concentrated without excessive opacity.

Nose

The nose displays remarkable aromatic complexity centered on dark fruits such as blackberry and blackcurrant. These fruity notes are accompanied by floral aromas, wild herbs reminiscent of thyme and rosemary, subtle smoky hints, and a pronounced stony minerality reflecting the limestone terroirs from which the wine originates.

Palate

The attack is supple and approachable, immediately revealing bright fruit expression. The mid-palate develops flavors of juicy red and black berries, balanced by spicy notes of licorice, pepper, and thyme. The tannic structure stands out for its finesse and its silky, powdery texture. Freshness and minerality bring balance and energy to the palate. The finish lingers with persistence, revealing continuous aromatic evolution and a lasting fruity sensation.

Food and wine pairings

Muntada 2021 pairs perfectly with lamb, notably herb-crusted lamb confit with Herbes de Provence or braised preparations. It also matches Mediterranean dishes such as a Catalan daube, spiced couscous, or wild boar stew. Characterful aged cheeses such as Laguiole or Bleu des Causses also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve Muntada 2021 at a temperature of 16 to 17°C. Decanting for one to two hours before serving allows the wine to fully express its aromatic range. This wine can be enjoyed through around 2040.

A powerful yet refined red wine from Roussillon

The estate

Domaine Gauby was founded in 1985 when Gérard Gauby carried out his first independent bottling, breaking with the family tradition of delivering grapes to the cooperative. Located in Calce, about twenty kilometers northwest of Perpignan in Roussillon, the estate spans 85 hectares, including 45 hectares of vines. A pioneer of organic viticulture as early as 1996 and biodynamically certified since 2001, the estate has profoundly influenced the region’s qualitative transformation. In 2024, the property was sold to François Baulé and Yann Mazabraud, who are now the owners. Gérard Gauby nevertheless continues to provide guidance to ensure continuity in the estate’s philosophy. Domaine Gauby is internationally recognized for its wines of great finesse and complexity, authentic reflections of exceptional terroirs.

The vineyard

The Muntada vines are planted on the estate’s most remarkable plots, characterized by limestone and marl soils of great geological richness. These terroirs benefit from eastern and northern exposures that preserve the grapes’ freshness. The vines, some of which are over 120 years old, root deeply into vertically stratified soils, the result of the formation of the Pyrenees. The Mediterranean climate is tempered by sea breezes and the influence of the mountains, while regular winds contribute to the vineyard’s health. Forty hectares of forests, meadows, and preserved natural areas surround the plots, fostering biodiversity. More than 5,000 trees have been planted to create natural windbreaks protecting the vines. The IGP Côtes Catalanes fully expresses the Mediterranean and Catalan character of this exceptional terroir.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in Roussilon was marked by a harsh winter with frost episodes affecting many French vineyards. A milder spring allowed flowering at the end of May, followed by particularly rainy months of June and July. Weather instability continued between mid-July and mid-August. Despite these contrasting conditions, the grapes reached optimal ripeness, combining concentration and freshness.

Winemaking and aging

Muntada 2021 is vinified using a minimalist approach favoring spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts. The grapes are vinified as whole clusters, without destemming, in concrete and stainless-steel vats. Aging takes place over 14 to 19 months in large wooden foudres and concrete tanks, with no use of new barrels in order to preserve the purity of the fruit and mineral expression. The wine is neither fined nor filtered, allowing it to retain the full breadth of its aromatic complexity. Bottling is carried out by gravity to limit handling.

Grape varieties

Grenache, Carignan, with small proportions of Syrah and Mourvèdre.