In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Slow-braised lamb shanks
Concentrated mineral Syrah and slow-cooked lamb are a classic Northern Rhone match. -
Venison stew with wild mushrooms
The wine's mineral and dark fruit intensity matches gamey venison. -
Charcuterie with local cheeses
The wine's pepper and mineral character pairs well with artisan charcuterie.
How to serve Saint-Joseph Clos de Cuminal
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Slow-braised lamb shanks, Venison stew with wild mushrooms, Charcuterie with local cheeses. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Clos de Cuminal is a small enclosed vineyard parcel that Pierre Gaillard identified as an exceptional site for old-vine Syrah in the Saint-Joseph appellation. The wine has been a signature of the domaine since the first vintage.
- 1989 — First vintage of Clos de Cuminal from the enclosed single-parcel vineyard
Facts
- Producer
- Pierre Gaillard
- Grapes
- Syrah (100%)
- Classification
- Saint-Joseph AOC
- Oak
- 12-16 months in used French oak barriques
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 30-50 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1989
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Frequently asked about Saint-Joseph Clos de Cuminal
What does Saint-Joseph Clos de Cuminal taste like?
Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long, mineral and savoury finish.
When should I drink Saint-Joseph Clos de Cuminal?
Drink 5-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Saint-Joseph Clos de Cuminal?
Slow-braised lamb shanks is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Venison stew with wild mushrooms and Charcuterie with local cheeses. Concentrated mineral Syrah and slow-cooked lamb are a classic Northern Rhone match.
What grapes are in Saint-Joseph Clos de Cuminal?
The blend is Syrah (100%). The wine is classified as Saint-Joseph AOC.