The winemaking tradition in the Brunel family dates back to the 17th century, but it was 1945 when the famed négociant Gaston Brunel bought Château de la Gardine. The origin of the name “la Gardine” has been much deliberated; the château’s location overlooks the Rhône valley and suggests that it served as a watch tower, hence the French root “garde”. The name could also have come from Gardini, an aristocratic family from Entraigues and Fargues (near the city of Orange) who may have been erstwhile owners. Today the domain is run by the two sons of Gaston Brunel, Patrick and Maxime, and it stretches over 52 hectares of Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard. 70% of their production is exported to as many as thirty different countries. In 1998, predicting the growth of Lirac wine region, the family decided to purchase Château Saint Roch: 40 hectares offering fabulous value for money. They also lead a dynamic négociant business which promotes the diversity of the Rhône valley, thanks to Patrick Brunel’s demand for excellence and the trusting relationship he maintains with winemakers in the region. Over the years the Brunel family have made huge efforts in respect of the environment, including by encouraging biodiversity (20 hectares of forest surround the vineyards), controlled cover planting as well as using indigenous yeasts, minimal sulphite additions and technology to track and tackle disease spread.

After harvests undertaken by hand and earlier than usual (useful to preserve the aromatic freshness of the berries), fermentation in 225-litre new wood barrels, and an élevage with periodical stirring, the resulting wine has a golden colour from which emanates a complex bouquet of dried fruit, gentle spices, honey, white flowers and vanilla. The generous and ample palate has a long finish and promises excellent ageing potential. A truly gastronomic wine, it will be the perfect accompaniment for characterful, hearty dishes.