Rapatel (Gérard Eyraud) Gitane Syrah 2012
Product details
| Management number | 253563328 | Release Date | 2026/10/24 | List Price | CA$13.20 | Model Number | 253563328 | ||
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Gitane is a 100% Syrah from Domaine de Rapatel, grown on the Costières plateau south of Nîmes, at the northern edge of the Camargue. The estate sits in Caissargues, roughly 10 km south of Nîmes, on soils of sandstone, rounded river pebbles (locally called grès), and limestone-clay. Vines here are exposed to the Mistral from the north and sea breezes from the Mediterranean to the south, creating a large diurnal range that concentrates flavor while preserving acidity.
Gérard Eyraud farms without synthetic inputs, using ewe's whey against powdery mildew and horsetail decoction in the vineyard. Vines are trained in Cordon de Royat or Gobelet to limit yields, which average around 20 hl/ha. Wood prunings are cut and left at the base of the vines from December to March to return organic matter to the soil. Each plot is harvested by hand, separately, at full ripeness.
In the cellar, Eyraud adds nothing: no sugar, no sulfur, no fining agents, no filtration. Fermentation is spontaneous with native yeasts. The wine ages in fiberglass or concrete tanks — never oak — for several years until Eyraud decides it is ready to bottle. As a Vin de France, Gitane carries no AOC designation; Eyraud opted out of appellation rules to maintain complete freedom in his winemaking.
The 2012 vintage was released well after harvest, consistent with Eyraud's practice of extended tank aging. By the time it reaches the glass, the wine shows the characteristic Rapatel profile: concentrated, earthy, and savory, with the garrigue and dark fruit character typical of old-vine Syrah from this sun-baked plateau.
Bestseller ranking
Red Wine
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