The Domaine Gayda En Passant Rouge is a wine I see myself drinking often this year. A full, rich, and pleasure-bent blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache from certified organic vineyards, this one reminds me a lot of the rich and forward wines produced by Domaine Lafage.
Domaine Gayda, despite being fairly new on the scene, is a producer that lots of wine lovers and professionals are talking about. The winery’s goal is simple: to be the leading producer in the Languedoc-Roussillon, France’s largest growing zone. I’d say they are off to a good start!
2018 Domaine Gayda En Passant Rouge
If you love Southern French reds from Domaine Lafage, you’ve got to try this!
To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
France’s Languedoc/Roussillon region is one of the largest viticultural zones in the world. It is home to a wide variety of grapes, terroirs, and producers. Domaine Gayda seeks to put this diversity of grapes and terroirs to good use, and they are succeeding. This past year, the estate’s Chemin de Moscou cuvee was chosen as the “Best Organic Wine of France” at the country’s leading wine fair. Their En Passant Rouge is a great introduction to their “house style,” and it also won’t run you $50+…..like the aforementioned Chemin de Moscou.
En Passant Rouge is a multi-appellation blend with the Syrah coming from vineyards near Maury in the Roussillon and the Grenache coming from sites in and around Minervois. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel and cement to preserve varietal character, and the finished wine is great from first sniff to last sip. Deeply colored, this one looks like it’s going to be a “bruiser of a wine,” but once it’s on the palate, it’s smooth, plush, and fine grained.
I pick up big notes of ripe plum, blueberry, blackberry, violet, and spice both in the bouquet and on the palate. Not only is this one organic, it is also certified vegan. It’s soft, supple texture combined with its spicy berry notes makes me think it would pair beautifully with North Carolina pulled pork, but I could also see it tasting great with a hearty mushroom pasta or stew.
This one is fairly new to North Carolina, and I bought every bottle in the state. Unfortunately, there were only 84 bottles to be had. Act fast to get some now or you’ll have to wait for the next shipment. Cheers and keep drinking the good stuff in the AVL.
To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville