Domaine Santa Duc

Benjamin Gras gained experience at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Bodegas Vega Sicilia before taking the reins at Santa Duc from his father, Yves, in 2017. During Benjamin’s tenure, Santa Duc has emerged as one of the most exciting producers in all of France. Converting to biodynamic farming (long organic prior) and sympathetic approaches in the cellar, have brought about Grenache led reds effortlessly combining old vine power and a Pinot like finesse.

The domaine oversees 38 hectares of Southern Rhône vineyards, of which 13 are located in Gigondas, six in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, two in Vacqueyras and the remainder in Côtes-du-Rhône. Based in Gigondas, their main goal is to seek out cooler terroirs and better exposures while being prepared to let go of parcels that might struggle in a warming, drying climate. Excitingly, they are expanding their viticultural footprint in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where they are already producing wines here that challenge the top order.

In Gigondas, they are gradually replacing Syrah with Counoise, a varietal yielding lower alcohols and florals, well adapted to climate changes, and to better complement the structure and savoury character of Mouvedre. 

Cellar approaches are equally thoughtful, incorporating whole clusters according to vintage. Extraction is meticulously judged, whilst maturation of the wines takes place in seasoned Austrian oak foudre and amphora. All drivers for complexity, tension, detail and freshness.