Jean-Baptiste and his daughter Zoé Meunier, run their 10-hectare estate, Moulin de la Gardette, in Gigondas. These are wines that leap from the glass with life and energy—vibrant red fruits, spice, and savoury nuance. We met Zoé and Jean-Baptiste in 2025, tasted through the range, and our excitement quickly grew. Zoé’s excellent English helped, as did the fact she’d recently worked a vintage at Yangarra in McLaren Vale. As it happened, they were also looking for an Australian importer.
Gigondas has been recognised for the quality of its wines since Roman times, though its full potential was only realised with the granting of appellation status in 1971. Today, Gigondas produces some of the Rhône Valley’s finest—and still most underrated—wines, though the latter distinction may not last much longer.
Moulin de la Gardette is a family-run estate devoted exclusively to Gigondas wines. Its 10 hectares lie on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail and are planted to old-vine Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre. While many growers aim to reach the appellation’s maximum permitted yields, Jean-Baptiste prioritises balance and quality. By working respectfully with the vines and soils, yields remain naturally low—riskier, perhaps, but far more rewarding. This is one of the rare domaines producing only Gigondas AC wines, allowing complete focus and attention on each parcel.
The wines’ hallmark finesse and freshness stem in part from higher-altitude sites (up to 330 metres) spread across celebrated lieux-dits such as La Gardette, Saint-Jean, Jasio, and L’Argne. Equally important are the soils: a complex mix of Triassic marls, Miocene sands (‘safre’), limestone, and clay. The sandy elements in particular contribute elegance, finely structured tannins, and excellent ageing potential. Many parcels are tiny, often less than a hectare, surrounded by Aleppo pines, oak trees, and mature woodland, with the mistral winds keeping the vineyards fresh and healthy. It is a truly exceptional natural environment.
Grapes are hand-harvested, partially de-stemmed, and vinified in cement vats, followed by a long post-fermentation maceration. Ageing takes place over 18 months in barrels of varying sizes and ages. The resulting wines show aromas of red fruits, blackcurrant, and spice, with subtle hints of vanilla. The palate is fresh and vibrant, layered with notes of tobacco and liquorice. They are wines that drink beautifully in youth yet are renowned for their capacity to age. Rhône authority John Livingstone-Learmonth has tasted examples still in magnificent condition at 40 years of age. And in his book ‘Wines of the Rhône’, wine writer and Rhône specialist Matt Walls says this about Moulin de la Gardette:
‘High Altitudes, low yields, and a light touch in the winery make for wines with all the rich, flowing fruits of traditional Gigondas, but immediately, recognisable for their exceptional balance, drinkability and breezy floral aromas.’
As with the majority of our producers, we are the only Australian importers for this highly regarded producer, and we have all three of their 2023 Gigondas available for you.
Moulin de la Gardette
Wines Imported
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A 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, sourced from the younger vines on the estate, and vinified and aged without oak. A vibrant wine with cherry aromas, red fruit, some spice and soft tannins. Juicy, bright and fresh and utterly drinkable.
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The Tradition cuvée comes from marl and clay-limestone terroirs. Made from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, the grapes are harvested by hand, partially destemmed and vinified in cement vats, with a long post-fermentation maceration. Ageing takes place for 18 months in old, large barrels. The resulting red wine exudes aromas of red fruits, blackcurrant and spices with a touch of vanilla. Fruity flavours are echoed on the palate, accompanied by notes of tobacco and liquorice.
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The 2023 Gigondas Ventabren is based on 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault. It has a terrific nose of exotic red fruits, minty garrigue, and rose/floral nuances intermixed with black raspberries, liquorice, crushed rock with dusty soil, this has good balance, and outstanding length. The tannins are dense and velvety in texture and have a savoury edge that provides great potential for ageing.
