IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Domaine Saint Gayan represents the Southern Rhone as we like it most – outstanding natural beauty; a friendly, unpretentious family of hands-on vignerons; generous wines, gentle on the attack but with surprising depth and complexity behind; and eminently reasonable prices.

The secret recipe here is great location, plus old vines, plus patience. One-third of the vineyards are 80 or more years old; many are 100 years in age. The wines are traditionally vinified and only released when fully ready to drink, usually a full year later than the competition. The entire range is excellent, with a particular mention for the straight Cotes du Rhone, which in fact comes 100% from ‘Villages’ rated vineyards and has to be one of the best value reds on offer in France.