generations of generations of winemakers have been active here with Louis Barruol currently at the helm, having taken over in the early 1990’s. The wines are still made in the original cellar of the estate, constructed in the Gallo Roman era, more than 2,000 years ago. The land of Gigondas is a geological mosaic composed of limestone soils on the Montmirail slopes and rocky, sandy, free-draining soils on the flatter, lower-lying land - perfect conditions for wine growing. This topography and the favourable Mediterranean climate with warm summers and bountiful hours of sunshine offer the ideal environment for cultivating vines and growing grapes to yield a fruitful crop year on year. Combined with a powerful Mistral wind, a classic feature of the region, these factors help to keep the vines dry, and encourage the grapes to ripen and taste their best. At harvest time excitement fills the air here as the fruity grapes are cut. I watched as bunches from the vines using secateurs. The © Jeremy Flint Domaine Pierre Amadieu friendly harvesters, a mix of French, Spanish, Europeans, and South Americans moved swiftly along the lines of the vines under the watchful eye of the boss. The grapes were a deep purple, rich in taste and filled bucket after bucket before being placed into the trailer, ready to be turned into wine. Everyone plays their part in creating a successful harvest including the driver of the tractor who drives the brimming truck loads from the vineyards to the winery where the grapes are poured into vats to be transformed into wine. A stone’s throw away at the cellars and tasting room of three-generation wine growers Domaine Pierre Amadieu, you can sample the wines of Gigondas and learn more about the history and culture of winegrowing in the area. You can also buy their fabulous wines from the onsite shop - and you really don’t want to miss your chance to stock up on these wines! For an authentic stay in the area, they have a gorgeous guest house with a pool, the Villa Sainte Anne, a 44 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 45
