Gigondas LaCave is a quality and environmentally focused cooperative that was formed in 1956 by a handful or farmers as a way for them to maintain the integrity of their harvest and express the identity of their terroir rather than sell their hard-earned production to less scrupulous buyers. The cooperative has 73 members, with holdings across several Southern Rhone appellations, such as Beaumes de Venise, Vacqueyras, Cotes du Rhone Villages and Vinsobres, however their main terroir focus is within Gigondas. By sharing resources and facilities, LaCave has enabled their small growers to not only reduce their financial burden, but to reduce their environmental impact.

The goal of the cooperative has also always been to showcase the unique and rugged terroir of Gigondas. Assembling a refence point wine, aptly named La Reference, has been one of the highlights of their efforts—chock full of the ripe, round fruit the Provencal sun facilities as well as the herbaceous aromas of garrigue that the region is famous for. Although in recent years, with the major threat of climate change looming over the world’s great winegrowing regions, LaCave has become on of the leading advocates for organic and sustainable farming as well as sustainability as it relates to the entire winemaking process, from energy efficient facilities, to water conservation and packaging.

Gigondas LaCave is working diligently to help small growers in their region realize their potential while remaining an ambassador for the often overlooked but profound appellation of Gigondas.

www.cave-gigondas.fr