E. Guigal : Château d'Ampuis 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of Château d'Ampuis 2022 by E. Guigal

Tasting

Appearance
Red in colour, this wine reveals a deep ruby hue, enhanced by profound reflections with purple and mauve nuances.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with spicy notes of white and black pepper, anise and liquorice, intertwined with aromas of black raspberry, blackcurrant and plum. Upon aeration, hints of game, olive tapenade, graphite and delicate scents of violet emerge, accompanied by subtle oak.

Palate
With a medium to full body, the palate offers a pure and harmonious texture. The concentrated black fruit flavours blend with notes of smoked meats and herbs. The silky, refined tannins structure the palate through to a long, mineral finish, marked by hints of vanilla and blackberry.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs wonderfully with duck confit, roasted mushrooms such as portobellos, or grilled meats like lamb. It also perfectly complements feathered game, truffle-based dishes and mature cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate Château d'Ampuis 2022, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 17°C, after decanting for one to two hours. This vintage has remarkable ageing potential and can be enjoyed until around 2052.

The quintessence and concentration of a great Côte-Rôtie wine

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal, Maison E. Guigal is a true institution located in Ampuis, at the heart of the Rhône Valley. Initially modest, the estate has experienced a meteoric rise under the family's leadership, becoming a key player in the region. Today, Philippe Guigal, representing the third generation, runs the estate as managing director and oenologist, supported by his father Marcel. With a vineyard spanning numerous prestigious appellations, the estate stands out for its respect for terroirs, its sustainable practices and its unique approach to barrel ageing.

The vineyard

The wine is made from seven exceptional parcels spread across the Côte Brune and Côte Blonde, within the prestigious Côte-Rôtie appellation. These vines, around fifty years old, thrive on vertiginous slopes that require entirely manual work. The soils consist of schist and silica-limestone rocks on the blonde side, while the brune side offers earth rich in iron oxide, giving the wine its unique minerality and structure.

The vintage

The 2022 growing season was marked by extreme climatic conditions, with the hottest and driest season recorded since 1950. After a winter and spring lacking in rainfall, the months of June and July endured intense heatwaves. These conditions naturally reduced yields, concentrating the berries. Fortunately, rainfall in mid-August helped to restart the vegetative cycle and achieve optimal phenolic maturity.

Winemaking and ageing

The 2022 Château d'Ampuis is harvested by hand, followed by rigorous sorting. Vinification involves a four-week maceration and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine then benefits from extended ageing of 38 months in new French oak barrels, all crafted in the estate's own cooperage, ensuring perfect integration of the oak.

Grape varieties

93% Syrah
7% Viognier